Court orders seizure of assets abroad of Bashundhara Group chairman and his family

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of assets abroad owned by Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, the chairman of Bashundhara Group, and eight members of his family. 

The court‍‍`s decision came on November 21, after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a request.

The people affected by the order include Ahmed Akbar Sobhan’s wife, Afruja Begum, their three sons—Saif Sobhan Anvir, Safiat Sobhan, and Safwan Sobhan—and their three daughters-in-law—Sabrina Sobhan, Sonia Ferdousi Sobhan, and Yasha Sobhan.

According to the ACC, these eight individuals have investments and assets worth around 143 crore Taka, along with other transactions in various banks. 

The commission also provided details about properties, investments, and bank accounts held by the family members abroad, although the exact value of these assets has not been mentioned in the report.

The ACC has pointed out that none of Ahmed Akbar Sobhan’s family members sought permission from Bangladesh Bank to send money overseas.

Investigations by the ACC revealed that the family took out large loans in the name of their companies. Part of these loans was allegedly sent abroad, where they used the money to buy properties and make investments.

The ACC also told the court that the family members have invested in 19 different companies across various countries.

Earlier, on October 21, the court had imposed a travel ban on Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and his family, preventing them from leaving the country. This came after a previous order on October 6 to freeze their bank accounts.