Singapore's Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO), the financial intelligence unit, has requested detailed information on the assets of the much-talked-about S Alam Group, both in Bangladesh and abroad. This move comes amid growing scrutiny of the Chattogram-based conglomerate, which has been at the center of multiple controversies.
According to an official from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the request was made through an email from Singapore's Financial Intelligence Unit. "We are preparing the details of the S Alam Group and are ready to send this information to STRO," the official confirmed, reports UNB.
The inquiry follows recent media reports alleging that the S Alam Group has significant undisclosed overseas assets, including holdings in Singapore. The conglomerate, which once held control over six banks and a financial institution in Bangladesh, has come under increasing investigation after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, following mass protests.
In the wake of the regime change, Bangladesh Bank swiftly reconstituted the boards of the banks previously controlled by S Alam Group. However, the group faces serious allegations, including claims that approximately Tk 1.13 lakh crore was siphoned off from these banks through forged documents.
The Bangladesh government, central bank, BFIU, and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) have since launched a coordinated crackdown on S Alam Group. The authorities have frozen personal accounts of the group's owners, and banks have restricted their transactions with the company.
Despite these measures, S Alam Group is seeking relief. On September 12, the conglomerate made a formal plea to the government and the central bank for financial, social, and legal assistance in an effort to lift the freeze on their accounts and restore normal operations.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
