Bank accounts of over 200 suspected individuals, institutions under scrutiny

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has taken steps to identify, suspend, and scrutinize the bank accounts of over two hundred individuals and business institutions on allegations of instigating instability in the garment sector and financing it. Two intelligence units of the organization have sent instructions in this regard to various banks and financial institutions across the country.

NBR officials said that 40 to 50 groups had been opened on social media with the aim of creating instability in the garment sector. Intelligence officials have obtained information on the names of 200 to 250 people associated with these groups. It has been learned that some of them were assisted through mobile banking and others with cash. The NBR has sought detailed information on the bank accounts of the individuals and institutions concerned in order to determine the source of these funds and the nature of the transactions.

NBR officials said that most of those whose bank accounts are being investigated are linked to the ousted Awami League government. The list includes the names of former ministers, former members of parliament, and influential businessmen. The names of several family members of these individuals have also been included in the intelligence agency's list.

Among the political figures on the list are Bahauddin Nasim, Salman F Rahman, Abdus Salam Murshedy, Tipu Munshi, Shahriar Alam, Nasrul Hamid, and Tajul Islam. Among the businessmen are Foizur Rahman Badal of Tusuka Group, Abdus Salam of Well Group, Khosru Chowdhury of Nipa Group, and AKM Mosharraf Hossain of Standard Group. Also on the list is the name of former BGMEA president SM Mannan Kochi. Some of the listed individuals are in jail, while others are on the run.

A senior NBR official, speaking to Agamir Somoy on condition of anonymity, said, "Based on information provided by some government agencies, we have instructed the banks to identify and suspend the bank accounts of the individuals concerned."

He further said, "Apart from this, we have also sought transaction information of several other institutions. There are allegations that these individuals and institutions have financed activities aimed at destabilizing the garment sector. This initiative has been taken to verify the allegations and investigate the source of the funds and the nature of the transactions."