The 1,232 crore taka, taken illegally from several businesses and individuals during the previous caretaker government, continues to be stored in Bangladesh Bank. Even after seeking help from the country's higher courts, the affected parties have been unable to retrieve the money. Following appeals and reviews, new appeals have been filed, and by exploiting legal provisions, the central bank has continued to withhold this substantial sum of money.
The case details reveal that between April 2007 and November 2008, officials from an intelligence agency and the then Task Force Intelligence (TFI) collected 1,232 crore taka from approximately 40 individuals and industries. This money was deposited into the Bangladesh Bank under the government's 0900 account through over two hundred pay orders.
It is reported that the government of the one-eleven period collected 117 crore 41 lakh taka from James Finley on April 19, 2007. This money was initially deposited into the government's consolidated fund at Bangladesh Bank through 16 pay orders. Then, on April 22, 2007 another 120 crore 24 lakh taka was deposited into Bangladesh Bank through 15 pay orders in the name of the same company. The funds were gradually deposited into the relevant government accounts at Bangladesh Bank over a span of one and a half years, following the same process on different dates.
Besides the identity of the individual or organization, about 47 crore taka has been deposited in four installments, marked as 'unknown'.
A huge amount of money was collected from Bashundhara Group, the top industrial group of the country. From May 28, 2007, to June 11, 2008, Bashundhara Group was required to pay a total of 256 crore taka.
Reports indicate that between June 19, 2007, and November 27, 2007, Mrs. Parveen Haque Sikder, under duress, made a payment of 42 crore taka on behalf of the directors and members of Sikder Group through 9 pay orders.
During the caretaker government's period, funds were also collected from the following individuals and industries:
30 crore from Nurul Islam Babul, Chairman of Jamuna Group; 24 crore from MGH Group; 20 crore from former BNP MP Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal; 7 crore from Kabir Steel; 40 crore 50 lakh from businessman Nur Ali; 32 crore 50 lakh from Amin Mohammad Foundation; 2 crore 50 lakh from Sagufta Housing; 15 crore from Hosaf Group; 15 crore from Partex Group; 9 crore from Swadesh Properties; 35 crore from Islam Group; 8 crore from Concord Engineering; 17 crore from businessman Rezaul Karim; 14 crore from Abu Sufian; 6 crore from Md.Showkat Ali Chowdhury; 1 crore from Ashian City; 6 crore 41 lakh from Pink City; 19 crore 45 lakh from Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association; 15 crore from former State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar; 16 crore from Wakil Ahmed; 32 crore from AB Bank Foundation; 20 crore 41 lakh from Giasuddin Al Mamun; 25 crore 44 lakh from Elite Paint; 190 crore from AB Bank; 7 crore from Concord Real Estate; 4 crore from an unnamed owner; and 2 crore 20 lakh from businessman Abdul Awal Mintoo.
In a case pending in the Appellate Division, the lawyer representing the businessmen, Advocate Ahsanul Karim, said, "This is a case of public importance. A large sum of money has been held from the businessmen for years on flimsy excuses. The legitimate owners of this money are the businessmen. Due to the prolonged holding of such a large amount, the businessmen are suffering financially. Therefore, I hope steps will be taken for a swift resolution of this case."
The affected businessmen claim that the one-eleven government seized their money through unlawful means that violated both the law and the constitution. They demand the government should return the funds and follow the court's orders. Additionally, those responsible for taking the money should be held accountable.
Bd-pratidin English/ Translated by Afia
