UK’s National Crime Agency Freezes Assets of Disgraced Sheikh Hasina Ally
The UK’s National Crime Agency has frozen the assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, ex-Minister of Land in Bangladesh, following a money laundering investigation. Chowdhury, an ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, allegedly amassed substantial wealth through undeclared overseas properties. The NCA’s action, part of a civil investigation, coincides with a political climate in Bangladesh as its interim leader visits London.
In a significant legal move, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen the assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a former Minister of Land in Bangladesh and associate of the exiled Sheikh Hasina. This action stems from a request by Bangladeshi authorities amid an investigation into Chowdhury relating to alleged money laundering. The properties affected lie within the United Kingdom, including a luxurious home in St John’s Wood, purchased for over £11 million, or approximately $14.8 million.
Chowdhury, who was prominently featured in an Al Jazeera investigation titled “The Minister’s Millions,” is under scrutiny for his vast accumulation of wealth while serving as a minister. According to the NCA spokesperson, the freezing order is part of an ongoing civil inquiry, meaning Chowdhury cannot sell the secured assets. This asset seizure coincides with the visit of Bangladesh’s interim leader, Professor Muhammad Yunus, to London, further highlighting the political dimension of the situation.
Al Jazeera’s investigative team uncovered that Chowdhury possesses an extensive portfolio, notably owning over 350 properties across the UK. The full scope of the NCA’s measures remains unclear, but reports confirm that his St John’s Wood property is included. During an undercover investigation, Chowdhury openly spoke of his lavish lifestyle, including his penchant for luxury suits and designer shoes, while dismissing the legitimacy of the inquiries into his financial dealings.
Chowdhury hails from a prominent Chittagong family and reportedly built his real estate empire despite stringent currency controls in Bangladesh, limiting annual foreign currency withdrawals to $12,000. The investigation asserts that he has spent more than $500 million on properties in major international cities including London, Dubai, and New York, yet failed to disclose these assets on his tax returns in Bangladesh.
His alliance with the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled amidst political turmoil in August 2024, has drawn scrutiny. Following violent protests led by students, Chowdhury has maintained that the wealth for his numerous properties originates from legitimate ventures he operated abroad. He has characterized the allegations against him as a politically motivated effort to tarnish his image, calling it a “witch-hunt.”
While in London, Chowdhury was observed enjoying strolls in his affluent neighborhood, reinforcing the notion of a wealthy lifestyle far removed from the conditions that have driven unrest in Bangladesh. The NCA’s actions signify a major move for tracing and potentially recouping lost funds that are suspected to have been embezzled during Chowdhury’s political tenure.
This developing situation will surely continue to draw attention as both international and Bangladeshi authorities work to address allegations of corruption that are said to pervade Chowdhury’s operations and those surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
The NCA’s actions against Chowdhury mark a significant escalation in international efforts to combat corruption. With his assets frozen and investigations probing the origins of his wealth, this case could have broader implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape. As Chowdhury defends himself against what he terms a politically motivated attack, scrutiny will undoubtedly focus on both his past and the potential accountability of former government officials in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
