- Dhaka court orders freezing of 31 bank accounts tied to Sheikh Hasina and her family.
- The accounts hold approximately Tk 394.6 crore amid corruption allegations.
- Investigations include alleged embezzlement and money laundering charges.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified its probe into financial irregularities linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family.
This follows a previous court directive on March 11, freezing 124 accounts linked to Hasina and her associates. The financial scrutiny has also led to asset confiscations and travel bans, escalating the legal pressure on the former leader, who fled to India in August 2024 after massive student-led protests led to her ouster.
Sheikh Hasina’s Financial Assets Under Intense Scrutiny
The Dhaka court’s decision marks a significant escalation in Bangladesh’s anti-corruption efforts. The ACC’s investigation aims to uncover potential financial misconduct by the Awami League leadership, reinforcing accountability in governance.
Apart from personal accounts, bank accounts linked to the ruling party and associated trusts have been frozen. Authorities suspect these funds were used to funnel illicit wealth or influence financial transactions linked to the Hasina regime.
The crackdown has broader political implications, as it underscores growing discontent with Hasina’s leadership. Many in Bangladesh view these legal actions as a step toward restoring transparency in the country’s financial and political systems.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India raises diplomatic concerns. Her legal troubles could impact India-Bangladesh relations, especially if extradition requests emerge or political asylum becomes a point of contention.
The unfolding financial investigation into Sheikh Hasina and her family signals a major shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. With ongoing probes and court orders tightening legal constraints, the future of the former Prime Minister remains uncertain.
“Corruption, the greatest single bane of our society today.” – Olusegun Obasanjo
