DHAKA: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety against Munni Saha, a prominent journalist, and her husband Kabir Hossain Taposh, who owns the advertising firm MS Promotional. The probe focuses on accusations of amassing illegal wealth, including dubious transactions amounting to Tk 134 crore in their accounts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, M Akhter Hossain, Director General (Prevention) of the ACC, revealed details of the inquiry during a press briefing at the ACC's Segunbagicha Headquarters. Complaints and various sources suggest that following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure amid a student-led anti-discrimination movement, Tk 120 crore was withdrawn from Saha's accounts, leaving a balance of Tk 14 crore, which had been previously seized.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) investigation uncovered that these transactions were conducted through 17 banks, predominantly One Bank. Consequently, the BFJU has seized Munni Saha's bank accounts due to the alleged illegal transactions. Following a political shift on August 5, the BFIU requested details of Saha's bank accounts on October 6, 2024.
In addition to the bank accounts, investigators have identified a duplex residence located at 165 Santiniketan, Rojagreen in the Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road area. Munni Saha's journalism career began at the daily Bhorer Kagoj, followed by stints at Ekushey Television and ATN Bangla television channel.
A separate legal issue also embroils Saha, as a case was filed at the Jatrabari Police Station under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police on August 22, 2024. The case accuses her of involvement in the murder of 17-year-old student Naeem Howlader during the July-August Student-Public movement. The deceased's father, Kamrul Islam, filed the case, naming Saha among seven journalists, as well as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several government officials, and law enforcement personnel.