17 Jul. 24: Shockwaves hit Bangladesh as allegations surfaced involving accounts tied to a former aide of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, allegedly linked to transactions totaling 400 crore Takas. Following this revelation, Bangladesh’s central bank swiftly moved to freeze bank accounts associated with Jahangir Alam, previously a personal assistant to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as accounts linked to his family members and several organizations connected to the Prime Minister, reported the BBC Urdu News Ex Chief Editor, Gul Firoze Khan.
In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remarked, “He used to work at my residence, he was simply a tea server, and now he claims ownership of 400 crore Takas.” In response, Bangladesh’s Financial Intelligence Unit, under the central bank, initiated actions to freeze accounts tied to Jahangir Alam and his spouse, citing concerns under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Jahangir Alam, however, told BBC Bangla that he believes the Prime Minister was not referring to him, asserting, “I have not engaged in any corrupt activities. My entire family does not possess such wealth, and all my assets are duly declared in my tax filings.”
Khurshid Alam Khan, legal counsel for the Anti-Corruption Commission, commented that it is highly unusual for a tea server or personal assistant to be associated with such a significant amount of money, hinting at a potential investigation by the Commission.
Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh, praised the Prime Minister for addressing the issue openly and emphasized the need for scrutiny to verify the legitimacy of wealth accumulation by individuals involved.
Who is Jahangir Alam?
Reports from December 6, 2023, by the state news agency BSS highlighted concerns regarding Jahangir Alam, allegedly presenting himself as the Prime Minister’s personal aide and being involved in unethical conduct. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Press Office, Alam resides in Khilpara and had sought candidacy from the Awami League in the last parliamentary elections. Speaking to BBC Bangla, he disclosed his involvement since 2009 and subsequent dismissal for refusal to return to the crooked level.
