Bangladesh Bank (BB) has ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's former peon Jahangir Alam, his wife Kamrun Nahar and their associated institutions.

Masud Biswas, head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) at Bangladesh Bank, confirmed this on Monday.

“A team from the BFIU is investigating Jahangir's bank accounts. On Sunday, the BFIU issued directives to all banks nationwide to freeze their accounts,” he said.

According to the BFIU's directive, Jahangir and others must submit all necessary forms and information to reopen their accounts within the next five days.

The directive also states that if any bank or financial institution holds accounts in the names of these individuals or their owned institutions, transactions in those accounts must be suspended for 30 days under Section 23(1)(g) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revealed that one of her household staff members had amassed a fortune worth Tk400 crore.

Investigations identified the individual as Jahangir Alam, also known as “Pani Jahangir,” from Khilpara union, Noakhali.

Jahangir, during Sheikh Hasina's time in opposition, served at her residence Sudha Sadan, earning the nickname “Pani Jahangir” for carrying drinking water for her at various events. When Sheikh Hasina became prime minister, he continued as her personal staff.

Further investigations revealed that Jahangir, despite his position, presented himself as the prime minister's personal assistant. Using this identity, he engaged in various profitable activities, amassing wealth and properties in Noakhali and Dhaka. 

BDST: 1353 HRS, JULY 15, 2024
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