Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has ordered the freezing of bank accounts linked to several prominent individuals, including former State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid and former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar.
The action comes as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and other financial irregularities.
The freeze also extends to the bank accounts of Nasrul Hamid's family members, including his wife, Sima Hamid, son Zareef Hamid, and daughter Alifa Hamid. Similarly, the accounts of Biplob Kumar Sarkar’s wife have been seized.
Former Chairman of the Bangladesh Security and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Prof. Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, and his son Zuhair Sarar Islam are also among those affected.
Additionally, the bank accounts of Sayedur Rahman, former president of the Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA), have been frozen.
The crackdown further targets five individuals implicated in a share market scam, including Abul Khair, Javed A Matin, and Moniza Choudhury of asset management company CWT.
This freeze covers both personal and business accounts, halting all transactions for the next 30 days, with the possibility of extending the suspension if required.
The BFIU issued these directives on Tuesday, instructing banks and financial institutions to enforce the suspensions immediately.