Allegations of large-scale corruption involving former officials who held influential positions during the Awami League’s rule continue to surface, with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) uncovering evidence of alleged money laundering involving former Special Branch (SB) chief Monirul Islam and members of his family.
The commission has filed two cases over the alleged concealment and transfer of illicit wealth, naming four people, including Monirul, his wife and his brother-in-law.
The ACC says it has found evidence of Tk 1,100 crore in money laundering linked to Monirul, a former additional inspector general of police who wielded considerable influence during the Awami League era.
According to the commission, he and his wife, former additional secretary Shayla Farzana, transferred assets to his brother-in-law’s bank account to conceal information about wealth allegedly acquired illegally during his tenure.
Monirul left the country after 5 August 2024. Subsequent ACC investigations into allegations of corruption against him uncovered substantial assets and financial transactions suspected of being illicit.
During the inquiry, investigators identified suspected money laundering involving Tk 10,45 crore through the bank account of Monirul’s brother-in-law, Rezaul Karim Shaheen, according to the information provided by the commission.
They also found assets worth Tk 23 crore for which Shaheen could not establish a legitimate source of income.
ACC Deputy Director Mozammel Hossain said Monirul and his wife had transferred assets to Shaheen in an attempt to conceal their ownership.
Investigators also found that Shaheen had claimed to have received Tk 25 crore from his father, known as Sipahi Baba, as a gift. However, the commission found no acceptable evidence to substantiate the claim.
The investigation also uncovered evidence of more than Tk 58 crore in suspected money laundering through the bank account of Shaheen’s wife, Sanjida Khanam Tumpa.
The ACC additionally identified assets worth more than Tk 15 crore that it considers inconsistent with lawful income.
The two cases name four accused, including Monirul, Shayla Farzana and his brother-in-law.
The allegations concern the suspected transfer and concealment of assets and financial transactions that the commission believes require legal scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the ACC is continuing its investigations into separate allegations that Monirul laundered money through two non-governmental organisations in the Middle East and embezzled funds from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The latest findings form part of broader efforts to investigate alleged corruption and illicit wealth accumulated by influential figures during the previous Awami League administration. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.