News Desk:
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Investment and Industry Advisor, Salman F Rahman, who has been in the custody of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) police since his arrest, has allegedly disclosed startling information during interrogation. According to sources involved in the investigation, Rahman has provided details implicating Sheikh Hasina and her family in large-scale financial misconduct and corruption.
Rahman reportedly revealed that members of Sheikh Hasina’s family often pressured for the initiation of new projects, knowing they would yield large commissions. He claimed that the Prime Minister was fully aware of the situation and never objected. He further alleged that the extreme greed of Sheikh Hasina’s family has played a significant role in the current economic challenges facing the country, with key government figures complicit in these activities.
One of the most shocking allegations is Rahman’s claim that half of the 150,000 crore BDT laundered out of the country through S. Alam Group was funneled to Sheikh Rehana and Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He added that these illegal activities were overseen by the former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Abdur Rouf Talukder. Despite the scale of these irregularities, no one dared to speak up, Rahman alleged.
Salman F Rahman is also said to have been deeply involved in manipulating the state-owned Janata Bank for personal gain. Sources claim that Rahman would appoint chairpersons and managing directors of his choosing, and if they did not align with his interests, he would prevent them from taking office or force them to resign under the guise of corruption allegations.
Notably, former Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Hedayet Ullah Al Mamun was appointed as Chairman of Janata Bank, but was unable to take up the position due to Rahman’s influence. Similarly, former Director of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, was forced to resign from his role as Janata Bank’s Chairman after corruption charges were raised against him, allegedly at Rahman’s behest.
Rahman also faces allegations of orchestrating a fraudulent bond scheme titled “IFIC Amar Bond,” through which he raised 1,020 crore BDT. Furthermore, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that Rahman withdrew 2,250 crore BDT through a Sukuk bond by pressuring banks to invest in it. When questioned, Rahman repeatedly cited health issues to evade further interrogation.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Rahman’s alleged corruption, misuse of power, and illicit acquisition of wealth during his tenure as Vice Chairman of Beximco Group. His charges include market manipulation, defrauding shareholders, and siphoning off thousands of crores from state-owned and private banks, as well as money laundering.
Salman F Rahman was arrested on August 13, along with former Law Minister Anisul Huq, in connection with the murder of shop employee Shahjahan Ali during clashes related to the quota reform movement. Both Rahman and Huq have been remanded for 10 days following their arrest. Rahman was found with five green passports and a diplomatic passport at the time of his arrest, while Huq was carrying USD 17,512, SGD 726, and three diplomatic passports.
During their remand, the ACC also decided to investigate Rahman for potential corruption and asset misappropriation, while further cases related to the deaths of two students, Khaled Saifullah and Sabuj Ali, are being pursued.
