BFIU orders freezing bank account of PM's former peon

The Financial Intelligence Unit has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Jahangir Alam, a former peon at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's house.

This order extends to the accounts of his wife, Kamrun Nahar, and the entities linked to them.

All banks have been instructed to send complete information, including the account opening forms, within five days.

On Sunday, July 14, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), under the control of Bangladesh Bank, issued these instructions.

The BFIU directive mandates the freezing of any accounts in the names of Jahangir Alam, Kamrun Nahar, and their affiliated companies for the next 30 days. Additionally, banks must submit KYC details, account opening forms, and up-to-date transaction statements for these accounts within the next five working days.

Jahangir Alam, also known as 'Pani Jahangir', hails from Khilpara in Chatkhil of Noakhali. He is an Awami League leader and previously worked as a peon at the prime minister’s house.

Jahangir submitted nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Chatkhil- Sonaimuri constituency in the parliamentary elections last January but later withdrew his candidacy.

His election affidavit revealed significant assets, including houses, land, flats, and plots in Dhaka and Noakhali.

During a press conference on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the issue without naming Jahangir. She questioned how a peon could amass Tk 400 crore, mentioning measures taken against him.

Earlier on December 6, 2023, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a public notification warning all against fraudulent practices of Jahangir Alam using the Prime Minister's name. It also informed people that Jahangir falsely presented himself as the Prime Minister’s personal assistant. The notification requested vigilance and urged people to seek assistance from law enforcement if necessary.

EAR/NMA