Dhaka:The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has instructed banks and financial institutions to freeze the accounts of approximately 100 individuals suspected of funding activities designed to incite unrest in Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the NBR is also probing 125 companies by requesting their detailed transaction records. This investigation aims to determine whether the funds from these individuals and businesses were used to foster discontent within the garment industry.
NBR sources revealed that two of their intelligence units have dispatched letters to banks and financial institutions, urging them to pinpoint and freeze the bank accounts of the listed individuals. Detailed transaction records from the 125 companies are also being sought. The majority of individuals on the list reportedly have connections to the former Awami League government, including ex-ministers, lawmakers, and prominent business figures. Family members' names have also been reportedly included.
The investigation has uncovered signs of transactions involving mobile financial services and cryptocurrencies. An anonymous senior NBR official noted that the account freezing initiative was based on information from multiple government agencies. The investigation is exploring financial activities to substantiate accusations of funding unrest in the RMG sector.
Some individuals on the list are currently incarcerated, while others are evading capture. The NBR's investigation is ongoing, with officials indicating that the list of suspects might expand as more information surfaces. However, no specific timeline for completing the investigation has been provided.