Anisul Huq’s illegal assets worth Tk 172 crore; bank transactions total Tk 737 crore

Former Law Minister Anisul Huq and his associates acquired illegal assets worth Tk 172.24 crore, according to findings by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The commission also revealed details of unusual transactions totaling Tk737.24 crore across 23 bank accounts linked to them. Following the investigation, the ACC approved the filing of a charge sheet against Anisul Huq and three others. ACC Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan announced the decision during a press conference at the commission's headquarters in Segunbagicha.

According to the ACC investigation report, Anisul Huq holds assets worth Tk 96.80 crore in his own name. Additionally, three individuals associated with his interests hold assets worth Tk 84.05 crore. Combined, these assets total Tk180.85 crore. Against this, considering his legitimate income and family expenses, the acceptable amount of savings is Tk 8.61 crore.

Among the three associates, the ACC found assets worth Tk 23.32 crore in the name of his younger brother's wife, Jebunnesa Huq; Tk20.71 crore in the name of his nephew, Sheikh Md. Iftekharul Islam; and Tk 40.01 crore in the name of his cousin, Mohammad Iqbal. The investigation further revealed that these three individuals hold large stakes of shares in Citizens Bank.

Furthermore, the investigation found deposits of Tk375.50 crore and withdrawals of Tk 361.73 crore across 23 bank accounts belonging to Anisul Huq and his related individuals and entities, identifying a total of Tk737.24 crore in unusual and suspicious transactions.

The ACC said the filing of charge sheets against Anisul Huq, Jebunnesa Begum Huq, Sheikh Md. Iftekharul Islam, and Mohammad Iqbal has been approved under the relevant sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, Anisul Huq was arrested on August 13 from the Sadarghat area of the capital. He has been in prison ever since. Several cases including charges of corruption, murder, and attempted murder are ongoing against him.