Dhaka: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of money laundering against Toufiqa Karim, who is reportedly associated with former law minister Anisul Huq. Toufiqa is accused of managing illicit funds linked to the former minister. The CID's Financial Crimes Unit is investigating the individuals and organizations allegedly involved in these activities. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the inquiry is based on information and complaints from various sources. Toufiqa Karim, who is also the chairman of Citizen Charters Bank and Managing Director of Desh TV, is accused of forming an illegal syndicate. This syndicate reportedly exploited power with the alleged support of the former minister to embezzle money. The accusations against Toufiqa include altering case judgments and bail conditions in exchange for money, along with fraudulent activities like changing accounts and providing jobs without proper examinations in subordinate courts across multiple distri cts and cities. In 2020, allegations surfaced against Toufiqa for appointing 18 drivers in Dhaka's Sessions Judge's Court and Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court through irregular means, allegedly from Anisul Huq's constituency, Akhaura-Kasba. The press release further claims that Anisul Huq has used his illicit wealth to build several properties in countries including Canada, Dubai, and Malaysia. There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that Toufiqa fled to Canada on July 26, ahead of the fall of the Awami League government.
