Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a minister in Sheikh Hasina’s government, has been scrutinized for owning over 490 properties globally despite a salary of Rs 11 lakh. His family is under investigation for alleged corruption, with significant assets linked to his time as land minister. The Bangladesh central bank has frozen their accounts amid claims of money laundering and unlawful wealth acquisition.
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a prominent minister in the government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, has come under scrutiny from the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus due to his substantial wealth. Despite earning a salary of Rs 11 lakh, Chowdhury reportedly owns over 490 properties worldwide, including significant holdings in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Dubai, with 300 properties located solely in the UK, as detailed in an investigative report by a media outlet.
Following widespread protests in 2024, Sheikh Hasina vacated her position and fled the country. Chowdhury also departed amidst civil unrest in August that same year. His declared assets amounted to Rs 20 crore on his income tax return, raising eyebrows given his family’s connection to substantial wealth acquisition during his tenure as the land minister, a position he held starting in 2019.
Chowdhury’s family, linked to Akhtaruzzaman—an associate of Sheikh Hasina—had reportedly acquired properties valued at over USD 295 million in various global cities between 1992 and 2024. Not only does he own property in Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but also in London’s Commuter Town, as well as homes spread across Singapore and Malaysia. Additionally, the central bank of Bangladesh has frozen Chowdhury’s and his family’s bank accounts amid ongoing investigations by the anti-corruption commission into allegations of illicit property acquisitions and money laundering, amounting to substantial sums in taka.
In summary, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury’s extravagant wealth acquired through foreign investments has raised significant concerns among the interim government and the Bangladesh anti-corruption commission. His reported ownership of nearly 500 properties worldwide contrasts sharply with his official income, leading to investigations into the legitimacy of his wealth. The situation highlights broader issues of corruption and accountability within the Bangladeshi political system, particularly following the dramatic political changes in recent years.
Original Source: www.india.com
