UK Crime Agency Freezes Assets of Disgraced Sheikh Hasina Ally

Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former land minister of Bangladesh and ally of Sheikh Hasina, has had his assets frozen by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The action follows money laundering allegations from Bangladeshi authorities. Chowdhury, linked to various high-end properties and investments overseas, claims legitimacy in his actions, asserting he faces a politically charged witch-hunt.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has officially frozen assets belonging to Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, who once served as Bangladesh’s Minister of Land. This action follows a request from Bangladeshi authorities for legal measures against Chowdhury, who has been implicated in an ongoing investigation relating to money laundering. This move highlights the fallout from the political turmoil surrounding the now-deposed Sheikh Hasina, Chowdhury’s ally in the Awami League party.

Confirming the asset freeze, an NCA spokesperson mentioned, “We can confirm that the NCA has secured freezing orders against a number of properties as part of an ongoing civil investigation.” Following this order, Chowdhury’s assets, including luxury properties, cannot be liquidated or sold, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The timing of the NCA’s actions coinciding with Bangladeshi interim leader Professor Muhammad Yunus’s visit to London adds layers to the diplomatic implications of this issue. Chowdhury, who is 56 years of age, is said to own over 350 properties in the UK, according to previous investigations by Al Jazeera. Among the assets frozen is his lavish home in the affluent neighborhood of St John’s Wood, which he purchased for 11 million pounds ($14.8 million).

Undercover footage captured Chowdhury discussing his extensive property portfolio and lavish lifestyle while speaking with Al Jazeera reporters in a setting that included his upscale living quarters. He notably described his relationship with Sheikh Hasina, stating, “I am like her son, actually.”

The I-Unit’s investigation previously unveiled that Chowdhury managed to evade strict currency laws in Bangladesh, which limit citizens to a $12,000 annual withdrawal for overseas investments. It appears he has spent over $500 million on properties not only in the UK but also in Dubai and New York, all while failing to declare these assets in his tax returns back home.

Chowdhury’s close affiliations with the ousted political figures of Bangladesh now draw additional scrutiny as authorities probe allegations surrounding corruption during Hasina’s administration. After the intense protests and violent crackdown that led to Hasina’s exit in August 2024, the investigation into Chowdhury’s wealth has intensified.

The freezing of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury’s assets by the UK’s National Crime Agency reflects broader issues of corruption associated with the former government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. With Chowdhury now under investigation for money laundering, and significant political ties bringing additional scrutiny, the situation represents a complex interplay between international law enforcement and political reform. As developments unfold, this case may have lasting implications for governance and accountability within Bangladesh.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com