NBR asks banks to freeze accounts of 100 suspected individuals

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has asked banks and financial institutions to freeze the accounts of around 100 individuals suspected of being involved in creating unrest in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. 

The revenue authorities have also sought details of bank transactions of 125 other organisations for the same reason.

The initiative has been taken to investigate whether funds belonging to these individuals and organisations were used to fuel unrest in the RMG sector.

Confirming the development, NBR sources said two intelligence units of the NBR have written to banks and financial institutions, requesting them to identify and freeze the bank accounts of the suspected individuals. Alongside, the units sought detailed transaction records of 125 organisations.

Most of the individuals on the list are associated with the ousted Awami League government. They include former ministers, members of parliament and influential businesspeople. Notable names on the list include Salman F Rahman, Abdus Salam Murshedy, Tipu Munshi, Shahriar Alam, Nasrul Hamid and Tazul Islam.

Among the businesspeople named are Faizur Rahman of Tusuka Group, Abdus Salam of Well Group, Khosru Chowdhury of Nipa Group, Mosharraf Hossain of Standard Group and former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president SM Mannan Kochi. Their family members are also on the list.

According to NBR sources, Alif Molla, brother-in-law of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, is also among those whose bank accounts are to be frozen. The sources also said information had been found about transactions made through cryptocurrency, in addition to mobile financial services.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior NBR official said the initiative to identify and freeze the bank accounts was taken based on information provided by several government agencies. The NBR also sought transaction details from a large number of organisations.

Asked about the reasons behind the move, the official said the individuals and organisations were accused of financing activities aimed at creating unrest in the garment sector. Their financial transactions were being scrutinised to verify the allegations.