There is a Bengali proverb: “Someone with a small flaw tries to cover it up, but someone completely exposed doesn’t even bother.” It seems some fugitive and corrupt members of the fallen Awami League now fall in the latter category - completely devoid of shame or remorse. These individuals, many of whom fled abroad following the people’s uprising on 5 August, are not living in hardship. Instead, they are indulging in luxury, funded by the wealth they plundered over 15 years of systematic corruption.
Rather than lying low, some of them appear to be competing in extravagance.
Their ostentatious celebrations in exile have sparked outrage. These fugitive leaders are not just political disgraces but dangerous threats to the nation. They crippled the economy by laundering thousands of crores of taka. Now, beyond the reach of justice, they grin from the safety of foreign lands.
Recently, four former ministers of the disgraced Awami League were seen at a wedding ceremony in London, the video of which proliferated on social media. The footage offers just a glimpse into their lavish overseas lifestyles. Their wealth and assets abroad - amassed during the Awami League’s 15-year power grab - remain vast and largely untouched, despite some token seizures.
A comprehensive investigation reveals that many of these fugitives are living luxurious lives in the UK, Canada, the USA, Dubai, Singapore and India. They live like royalty. Seizing a few bank accounts or assets is like drawing a bucket from the sea - a mere fraction of their total plunder. Experts emphasise the need for urgent international efforts to recover the wealth.
Among the Awami League looters who have amassed mountains of wealth abroad, the prominent figures are former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury. In the UK alone, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury owns more than 200 flats or apartments and houses. He owns seven apartments in Dubai and two flats in the United States. Although investigations have reportedly been initiated in the UK regarding these matters, no significant progress has been made so far. Saifuzzaman Chowdhury is no longer in contact with the Awami League. He currently resides in London and is not seen participating in any of the party’s programmes or activities.
The second most-talked-about looter is former State Minister for Power, Nasrul Hamid Bipu. He is currently residing in Dubai, where he possesses massive wealth. Some of the properties are in his name, while others are in the names of his wife, son and daughter, and a significant portion is held under anonymous ownership. He is currently funding his lifestyle from these anonymous sources. Recently, some of Bipu’s properties in Dhaka have been seized, but sources say this seizure will hardly impact his massive looted fortune.
The third prominent looter is former Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal (Lotus Kamal). He, too, has extensive property in Dubai. In addition to Dubai, substantial wealth linked to him has been discovered in the UK and the US. Currently, he and his family are believed to be living in Dubai, where his daughter has made multiple investments. Like Saifuzzaman, Kamal also maintains no connection with the Awami League anymore.
India has now become the largest gathering spot for the looting Awami League leaders. These looters are leading luxurious lives in rented lavish apartments and houses. Among those living extravagantly in Kolkata are Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Minister Zahid Maleque, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Tofazzal Hossain Mia, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and others. All of them are reportedly residing in luxurious flats in New Town, Kolkata. They have laundered enormous sums of money and are now living safely with their families.
Various sources claim that many of these looters have made anonymous investments in India as well. Questions have arisen as to how they have been residing in India for so long without visas or official permission.
The second-largest group of these looters is located in the United Kingdom. After the events of 5 August, these corrupt Awami League members first fled to India and mysteriously obtained visa stamps, then travelled to the UK. They already had houses and properties there. Former Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman had previously purchased a house in London, where his daughter resides. After fleeing, he has been living like royalty with his looted wealth.
Another former minister, SM Rezaul Karim, also travelled from India to the UK and currently resides there. He owns multiple properties in London where his children live. Former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is now based in London, with additional residence in Brussels. He has even opened a company in Brussels. He is said to have stashed looted money not only in the UK but also in Dubai. Reports indicate he owns three houses in London and two flats in Brussels under his and his wife’s names. He also has significant investments in Belgium and Dubai.
Former State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury also owns a house in London. After fleeing on 5 August, he went to India and later settled in London, where he now resides permanently. He reportedly owns several flats in London. During his 10-year tenure as minister, he engaged in rampant corruption. He funnelled all his looted money to his British citizen wife. With that money, he now lives like a king. His anonymous investments in London are estimated to be worth thousands of crores of taka.
The third major destination for the looters is the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai. Many Awami League looters are living luxurious lives there. Among them, Nasrul Hamid Bipu tops the list with reportedly thousands of crores invested in businesses and property. Lotus Kamal also has large investments and wealth in Dubai. Shamim Osman, who once resided in Dubai, had businesses and property there, but multiple sources now confirm he is currently in the United States.
The fourth major residence for Awami League looters is the United States. However, those who are not permanent residents or green card holders are now facing difficulties. These individuals are gradually moving to other countries. Sheikh Hasina’s special assistant, Awami League’s Biplob Barua, is currently residing in the United States. In addition, at least five former ministers and MPs are also in the US. These individuals spent 15 years in power solely for personal gain. They did nothing for the country, nothing for the Awami League, and nothing for its workers. While they lay low for some time abroad, many are now attempting to return to normal life and are reconnecting with Bangladesh. However, they are providing no support to local Awami League leaders or activists. Consequently, grassroots Awami League workers in Bangladesh now label these shameless criminals as “enemies of the people.”
Public concern is growing regarding what steps the government is taking to recover the enormous wealth these looters have stashed abroad. This wealth belongs to the people. If it is not recovered quickly, the aspirations of the July Revolution will be undermined. The Bangladesh Bank governor has said agreements are being made with different countries, and efforts are underway to retrieve the looted assets. However, experts believe that unless urgent international measures are taken, recovering this looted money will become increasingly difficult.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
