After the fall of Sheikh
Hasina's government, the infamy and money laundering of
several Awami League leaders are being revealed to the people. Recently, an
investigative story by Al Jazeera about Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former Land
Minister during AL’s regime, about thousands of crores of illegal
property has come to the forefront.
British MP Apsana Begum,
of Bangladeshi descent, has called for a thorough investigation into the
incidents of former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury purchasing vast assets
through the laundering of BDT thousands of crores in the UK. She has also
requested confiscating these illegally acquired assets and their return to
Bangladesh. This MP made her request in a letter addressed to the Executive
Director of the UK’s National Crime Agency, which she posted on her
verified Facebook page.
In the letter, the
Labour Party leader wrote, “I am writing to ask about what action the National
Crime Agency (NCA) is taking regarding any properties and assets in the UK that
may result from corruption and economic crime by former members of the
Bangladeshi government.”
She states that there
are allegations of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury transferring vast amounts of money
abroad during Sheikh Hasina's time in power. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned
from the position of Prime Minister and left the country facing a student-led
movement. Following this, Bangladeshi authorities initiated investigations into
widespread corruption against her government. I would like to know what steps
the National Crime Agency (NCA) is taking regarding the properties and assets
in the UK that may have been acquired through the corruption and economic
crimes of former members of the Bangladeshi government.
Apsana Begum stated that
an investigation regarding tax payments is underway against former Bangladeshi
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury. The Anti-Corruption Commission of
Bangladesh (ACC) is investigating him for allegations of embezzlement. The
agency claims that Saifuzzaman Chowdhury has laundered millions of dollars to
the UK.
She noted that the
Financial Times review of records from the HM Land Registry and Companies House
in the UK revealed that entities controlled by Saifuzzaman Chowdhury had
acquired at least 280 properties worth over £150 million. Al Jazeera's
investigation further disclosed that Saifuzzaman Chowdhury owns 74 properties
in my constituency of Poplar and Limehouse.
Apsana Begum wrote, "These
properties belong to Bangladesh. I believe they should be returned to the
people of Bangladesh so they can work towards a society that is run for
democracy and their interests. There is ample evidence that corruption has long
had a detrimental impact on the quality of life, workplace rights, and
democratic freedoms in Bangladesh."
Addressing the NCA
Director, this British MP of Bangladeshi descent stated, "Since
the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bangladesh is seeking international
cooperation to recover unjustly acquired funds, I would be very grateful if you
could clarify what steps have been taken to investigate and freeze all UK-based
assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and other individuals accused in this
corruption investigation. You will surely agree that freezing and returning
these funds is crucial not only for justice but also for the future rights of
the people of Bangladesh. Additionally, it is essential for the reputation and
international standing of the UK."