Dhaka: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated legal proceedings against former Bangladesh land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, accusing him of laundering Tk 1200 crore to Dubai. The case was filed at a police station in Chattogram, as confirmed by Special Police Superintendent of CID (media) Dhaka, Jashim Uddin Khan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury allegedly invested in 226 flats across various locations in the United Arab Emirates from 2016 to 2023. The locations include Al Barsha South 3rd, Barsha South, Burj Khalifa, and more, with the properties valued at 33 crore 56 lakh 57 thousand 168 dirhams. Additionally, two properties in the Al Barsha South 3rd area are registered under his wife, Rukmila Zaman, valued at 2 lakh 50 thousand 369 dirhams.
Furthermore, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury holds four bank accounts, including two with Dubai Islami Bank, one with Janata Bank, and another with First Abu Dhabi Bank. These accounts reportedly contain transactions in dirhams and US dollars, approximating Taka 311 crore 26 lakh 6 thousand 795 in Bangladeshi currency.
CID investigations also uncovered his establishment and investment in two business entities, Zeba Trading FZE and Rapid Raptor FZE, in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. However, records from Bangladesh Bank indicate no government permission was granted to Saifuzzaman for overseas investments, property acquisition, or company registration, constituting an offense under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2012 (Amendment 2015).
The CID has filed a regular case against Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife Rukmila Zaman, and 5-7 unidentified persons under Section 4(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012 (Amended 2015). The investigation continues to gather comprehensive information on the alleged crimes and apprehend unidentified accomplices.
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury held the position of State Minister and Minister of the Land Ministry from January 12, 2014. He also served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of United Commercial Bank and the industrial organization Aramit Group, in addition to being a three-time President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.