Dhaka: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), acting on court directives, has seized and frozen assets worth approximately Taka 2,398 crore from 43 individuals, including influential figures such as Beximco Vice Chairman Salman F Rahman, S Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Shahriar Alam, and ex-Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ACC's actions come as part of a broader effort to clamp down on corruption and embezzlement. The commission executed 36 court orders in December, which involved the seizure, freezing, and appointment of receivers for the assets of the individuals involved. The total value of movable and immovable assets seized amounts to approximately Taka 1,846 crore, while frozen assets are valued at around Taka 550.66 crore.
Among the notable seizures, 1,483 decimals of land belonging to Salman F Rahman were confiscated, and Taka 54.66 crore deposited in bank accounts were frozen. In addition, shares of 21 companies owned by former Premier Bank chairman Hefzul Bari Mohammad Iqbal were frozen, with an estimated value of Taka 62.95 crore. Bank pay orders valued over Taka 242.90 crore were also frozen, bringing the total value of seized and frozen assets against him to Taka 305.86 crore.
Significant assets of S Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam were also targeted, with properties including 193,650 decimals of land valued at Taka 1,694 crore seized. Shares of 10 companies worth about Taka 32.75 crore and 86 bank accounts with a balance of approximately Taka 17.76 crore were frozen, totaling over Taka 1,740 crore in seized and frozen assets.
For former state minister Shahriar Alam, the ACC seized two flats valued at approximately Taka 1.24 crore, alongside 120.7 decimals of land worth about Taka 1.41 crore. Shares of 26 companies, valued at approximately Taka 66.55 crore, were also frozen, with the total seized and frozen assets exceeding Taka 69 crore.
Under court orders against ex-mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas, the ACC froze 10 bank accounts with a balance of Taka 1.82 crore and 10 fixed deposit receipts totaling Taka 8.59 crore, resulting in total frozen assets of around Taka 10.42 crore.
The ACC states that the seizures are part of ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings concerning corruption, acquisition of wealth beyond known income sources, embezzlement, and money laundering. Those implicated include former members of parliament, ministers, senior government officials, businesspeople, and other influential figures.
In December, the ACC filed 56 cases against 579 individuals, submitted 62 charge sheets against 234 individuals, and issued eight final reports granting acquittal to nine people. Additionally, 138 new inquiries were initiated, and orders were issued for the submission of 50 wealth statements.
Deputy Director Md. Aktarul Islam emphasized that the ACC has bolstered its inquiry and investigation activities to uncover and reclaim illegally acquired assets. The ACC prioritizes tackling crimes and corruption over political affiliations and aims to continue its efforts in the future.
ACC Director General Md. Akhtar Hossain confirmed that the commission has taken necessary measures in line with court directives and will persist in these activities.