Probes  Anisul’s Tk 172.24cr graft

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) found evidence of Tk 172.24 crore in assets allegedly disproportionate to known sources of income and Tk 737.24 crore in “unusual and suspicious” bank transactions involving former Law Minister Anisul Huq and three relatives.

The anti graft agency on Wednesday approved a charge sheet against the four accused. The others are Jebunnesa Begum Huq Koli, wife of Anisul’s younger brother; his nephew Sheikh Md Iftekharul Islam; and Mohammad Iqbal, described as his "cousin" and chairman and managing director of BHIS Apparels Limited.

ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan told a briefing on Thursday, "These three individuals assisted Anisul Huq, both directly and indirectly, in acquiring illegal assets. That is why they have also been named as accused following the investigation."

According to the ACC, Anisul's legitimate income during the period under investigation was Tk 13.28 crore, against family expenses of Tk 4.67 crore, leaving net savings of Tk 8.61 crore.

The investigation found assets worth Tk 180.86 crore in the names of Anisul and the three others. After deducting his acceptable net income, Tk 172.24 crore was classified as "disproportionate to known sources of income" or illegal.

The assets were allegedly accumulated between June 30, 2000 and July 19, 2026. Of the total, Tk 96.81 crore in movable and immovable assets was held in Anisul's name, while Tk 84.05 crore was held by the three relatives.

The ACC found movable assets worth Tk 23,32,02,321 in Jebunnesa's name, Tk 20,71,81,444 in Iftekharul's name and Tk 40,01,23,236 in Mohammad Iqbal's name. The three also hold shares in Citizens Bank collectively valued at more than Tk 70 crore.

The investigation traced "unusual" transactions through 23 bank accounts belonging to Anisul and individuals or entities associated with his interests.

A total of Tk 375,50,99,452 was deposited into the accounts and Tk 361,73,27,129 withdrawn, bringing the combined transaction volume to Tk 737,24,26,581.