Publish: 10:47, 14 Dec, 2024 Updated: 11:19, 14 Dec, 2024

How he amassed crores in assets, including 3 New York properties

A tale of former acting GCC mayor Kiron; ACC seeks his illegal assets
Mahbub Momtaje
How he amassed crores in assets, including 3 New York properties

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered illegal assets worth several thousand crores of taka belonging to Asadur Rahman Kiron, the former acting mayor of Gazipur City Corporation. Kiron, a prominent political figure with a history of switching parties, is currently the Vice President of the Gazipur Metropolitan Awami League.

Kiron’s wealth came under investigation after the suspension of Mayor Jahangir Alam by the local government ministry in November 2021. Following the suspension, Kiron, the councilor for Ward 43, was appointed as acting mayor. This was not the first time Kiron held the role; he had previously served as acting mayor when Mayor Prof. Abdul Mannan, who was elected with BNP support, was dismissed multiple times.

Kiron is accused of corruption, looting, and commission trading during his tenure as acting mayor. Allegedly, he accumulated illegal assets worth thousands of crores of taka, both domestically and abroad, even obtaining foreign citizenship. Kiron reportedly purchased three properties in New York, USA, in both his and his wife’s names. Upon assuming office, he focused on a property in Chirulia, Pubail, where he unlawfully seized 23 bighas of land by forging a fake landowner. He attempted to evade 18 lakh taka in taxes owed to the city corporation, falsely claiming the land as his own. Although the issue became public, he eventually paid the tax, but the tax for the illegally acquired land remains unsettled.

Upon inquiry, it was revealed that Kiron initiated a tender, Tender No. GCC/Z, during his tenure as acting mayor in 2016-17. However, due to a lack of progress on the project, no payments were made for the tender when Jahangir Alam was elected mayor. After assuming the role of acting mayor again in 2021, Kiron took the initiative to settle the illegal outstanding bills. He contacted various contractors involved at the time, verified the completed work, and collected his cream. Kiron operated from an office located on the sixth floor of House No. 10, Road No. 7, Sector No. 11, Uttara, where he managed the contractors. 

Following a review of a writ petition on February 28 of the previous year, the High Court ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption, including the acquisition of illegal assets, against Asadur Rahman Kiron, the Acting Mayor of Gazipur City Corporation. On November 18, Kiron was arrested by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Sharsha border in Jessore. He faces seven charges related to attacks, murders, and injuries linked to the anti-discrimination student movement, with cases filed at multiple police stations, including those in Tongi, Gazipur, and Uttara in Dhaka.

According to ACC sources, Kiron's wealth was uncovered during an intelligence investigation, and the details have been forwarded to the verification committee for further assessment. Kiron is reported to own 112 bighas of land in Tongi’s Pagar, Ashulia in Dhaka, and Gazipur, registered under his name as well as those of his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. His properties also include a seven-story house (No. 10) on Road No. 7 in Sector 11, Uttara, and a 12-story house (No. 95) on Road No. 18 in Sector 7, both in Dhaka. In addition, Kiron owns a 2,500-square-foot flat in a building on Road No. 79 in Gulshan-2, with an estimated market value of Tk 14 crore.

A factory spanning at least 200 bighas of land in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh, is registered under the names of Kiron and his wife, with an estimated value of 300 crore taka. Additionally, he owns three factories in Tongi, collectively worth 300 crore taka. Kiron also purchased properties in New York City, in both his and his wife’s names, using smuggled funds. According to ACC officials involved in the investigation, the case against Kiron was initially poised for approval by the scrutiny committee. However, the process was delayed due to the absence of a commission for an extended period. With the formation of the new commission, the case against him for illegal wealth accumulation and money laundering is expected to proceed soon.

Asadur Rahman Kiron began his career as a binder at a printing press, working at Elite Printing Press in 1984-85 before transitioning into politics in 1986. At that time, he became the General Secretary of Tongi Ward No. 3 for Juba Saghati, the youth wing of the Jatiya Party. He later became involved with both the Jatiya Party and the BNP.

Kiron then focused on acquiring land owned by Hindu and Christian communities in the Tongi Pagar Mauza area, seizing these properties, subdividing them into plots, and selling them at inflated prices. Given that Pagar is an industrial zone, it became a prime target for Kiron’s land acquisition activities. He also served as a commissioner for Ward No. 8 during the first election for Tongi Municipality. During this period, Kiron accumulated significant wealth and assets.

Translated by Jisan Al Jubair

Bd-pratidin English

More News
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
Investigation underway into 2 former BB governors, 53 officials
Investigation underway into 2 former BB governors, 53 officials
Distribution of projects worth 1,300 crore taka
Distribution of projects worth 1,300 crore taka
Tk 1,500cr hospital lies idle, unused
Tk 1,500cr hospital lies idle, unused
Dr. Yunus’s new dream, new party and politics of Jamaat
Dr. Yunus’s new dream, new party and politics of Jamaat
'Zia Tree' flourishing in the heart of desert
'Zia Tree' flourishing in the heart of desert
Attempts made to increase drug prices
Attempts made to increase drug prices
New default loan policy to jeopardise businesses
New default loan policy to jeopardise businesses
A grand scheme of billions in loot!
A grand scheme of billions in loot!
Millions of investors trapped in margin loans
Millions of investors trapped in margin loans
Delinquents are in public now
Delinquents are in public now
What lies behind the mask of Prothom Alo, Daily Star?
What lies behind the mask of Prothom Alo, Daily Star?
Latest News
Crypto exchange Bybit loses $1.5 billion in record hack
Crypto exchange Bybit loses $1.5 billion in record hack
just now | Tech
UAE’s 1st female astronaut aims to inspire future generations, plant flag on moon
UAE’s 1st female astronaut aims to inspire future generations, plant flag on moon
6 minutes ago | Tech
Jaker confident top order will deliver in Pakistan
Jaker confident top order will deliver in Pakistan
30 minutes ago | Sports
Iran warns of ‘precision’ strike on Tel Aviv
Iran warns of ‘precision’ strike on Tel Aviv
56 minutes ago | International
US threatens to cut off Starlink access for Ukraine over mineral deal
US threatens to cut off Starlink access for Ukraine over mineral deal
1 hour ago | Tech
Traders in panic after series of robberies in Mirpur
Traders in panic after series of robberies in Mirpur
1 hour ago | City
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
1 hour ago | Special
Lady Gaga to perform free concert on Rio's Copacabana beach
Lady Gaga to perform free concert on Rio's Copacabana beach
1 hour ago | Entertainment
US-backed YPG continues to use child soldiers in Syria, expert says
US-backed YPG continues to use child soldiers in Syria, expert says
1 hour ago | International
Global Ministerial Conf: Bangladesh also walks out during Israeli speech
Global Ministerial Conf: Bangladesh also walks out during Israeli speech
2 hours ago | National
There is no pressure against India: Haris Rauf
There is no pressure against India: Haris Rauf
2 hours ago | Sports
Dhaka tops global air pollution ranking with "unhealthy" air quality
Dhaka tops global air pollution ranking with "unhealthy" air quality
2 hours ago | City
Man who attacked Salman Rushdie found guilty of attempted murder
Man who attacked Salman Rushdie found guilty of attempted murder
2 hours ago | International
‘Mon Duari’ tops trending charts, fans are enthralled
‘Mon Duari’ tops trending charts, fans are enthralled
2 hours ago | Entertainment
Pentagon to fire 5,400 workers
Pentagon to fire 5,400 workers
3 hours ago | International
Stable temperatures, dry weather expected in Dhaka
Stable temperatures, dry weather expected in Dhaka
3 hours ago | City
Jaintapur farmers thrive with bumper watermelon harvest
Jaintapur farmers thrive with bumper watermelon harvest
3 hours ago | Business
Arab leaders discuss ‘Palestinian cause’, Gaza developments
Arab leaders discuss ‘Palestinian cause’, Gaza developments
3 hours ago | International
Bangladesh, India vow to bring border killings to zero
Bangladesh, India vow to bring border killings to zero
3 hours ago | National
Israel to release 602 prisoners in Gaza swap Saturday: Palestinian NGO
Israel to release 602 prisoners in Gaza swap Saturday: Palestinian NGO
13 hours ago | International
Fire breaks out at sawmill in Khilgaon
Fire breaks out at sawmill in Khilgaon
14 hours ago | City
Babar returns home performing Umrah
Babar returns home performing Umrah
14 hours ago | National
Champions Trophy: Rickelton, Markram power proteas to 315 against Afghans
Champions Trophy: Rickelton, Markram power proteas to 315 against Afghans
15 hours ago | Sports
It’s not that you will forget Bengali just by learning English: CA
It’s not that you will forget Bengali just by learning English: CA
16 hours ago | National
Independence won thru student-mass people's blood must be retained: Annie
Independence won thru student-mass people's blood must be retained: Annie
16 hours ago | National
Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observes IML Day
Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observes IML Day
17 hours ago | National
Faruque warns of conspiracy if election is delayed
Faruque warns of conspiracy if election is delayed
18 hours ago | National
Govt emphasizes preserving endangered languages ​​and ensuring diversity: Foreign Secretary
Govt emphasizes preserving endangered languages ​​and ensuring diversity: Foreign Secretary
18 hours ago | National
Saudi Ambassador extends greetings in Bengali on Feb 21
Saudi Ambassador extends greetings in Bengali on Feb 21
18 hours ago | National
Discussion on mother tongue held in Bandarban
Discussion on mother tongue held in Bandarban
18 hours ago | Shuvosangho
Most Read
Imported fruit prices surge by up to Tk100 per Kg ahead of Ramadan
Imported fruit prices surge by up to Tk100 per Kg ahead of Ramadan
21 hours ago | Business
Bangladesh, India vow to bring border killings to zero
Bangladesh, India vow to bring border killings to zero
3 hours ago | National
Global Ministerial Conf: Bangladesh also walks out during Israeli speech
Global Ministerial Conf: Bangladesh also walks out during Israeli speech
2 hours ago | National
25 foreign nationals pay tribute to language martyrs
25 foreign nationals pay tribute to language martyrs
20 hours ago | National
‘Mon Duari’ tops trending charts, fans are enthralled
‘Mon Duari’ tops trending charts, fans are enthralled
2 hours ago | Entertainment
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
Country’s RMG sector regains momentum
1 hour ago | Special
Alibaba sees revenue surge on back of artificial intelligence, e-commerce
Alibaba sees revenue surge on back of artificial intelligence, e-commerce
21 hours ago | Business
It’s not that you will forget Bengali just by learning English: CA
It’s not that you will forget Bengali just by learning English: CA
16 hours ago | National
CIA plans largest mass firing in nearly 50 years: New York Times
CIA plans largest mass firing in nearly 50 years: New York Times
21 hours ago | International
Saudi Ambassador extends greetings in Bengali on Feb 21
Saudi Ambassador extends greetings in Bengali on Feb 21
18 hours ago | National
Only election can restore true democracy: Rizvi
Only election can restore true democracy: Rizvi
20 hours ago | National
Faruque warns of conspiracy if election is delayed
Faruque warns of conspiracy if election is delayed
18 hours ago | National
Fire breaks out at sawmill in Khilgaon
Fire breaks out at sawmill in Khilgaon
14 hours ago | City
Gill’s ton guides India to a comfortable win over Bangladesh
Gill’s ton guides India to a comfortable win over Bangladesh
21 hours ago | Sports
No pain, no gain? Hardly. This year’s fitness buzzword is ‘recovery’
No pain, no gain? Hardly. This year’s fitness buzzword is ‘recovery’
19 hours ago | Lifestyle
Netanyahu orders 'intensive' West Bank operations after Israel bus blasts
Netanyahu orders 'intensive' West Bank operations after Israel bus blasts
22 hours ago | International
Govt emphasizes preserving endangered languages ​​and ensuring diversity: Foreign Secretary
Govt emphasizes preserving endangered languages ​​and ensuring diversity: Foreign Secretary
18 hours ago | National
Hamas gave body of 'Gazan woman' not hostage Shiri Bibas: Netanyahu
Hamas gave body of 'Gazan woman' not hostage Shiri Bibas: Netanyahu
21 hours ago | International
South Africa wins the toss, decides to bat against Afghanistan
South Africa wins the toss, decides to bat against Afghanistan
20 hours ago | Sports
Babar returns home performing Umrah
Babar returns home performing Umrah
14 hours ago | National
Jaker confident top order will deliver in Pakistan
Jaker confident top order will deliver in Pakistan
30 minutes ago | Sports
ADB, World Bank partner on FMRF to increase development impact
ADB, World Bank partner on FMRF to increase development impact
21 hours ago | Business
Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observes IML Day
Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observes IML Day
17 hours ago | National
Climate change is shrinking glaciers faster than ever
Climate change is shrinking glaciers faster than ever
21 hours ago | International
Poland introduces mandatory firearms training for children
Poland introduces mandatory firearms training for children
19 hours ago | International
Discussion on mother tongue held in Bandarban
Discussion on mother tongue held in Bandarban
18 hours ago | Shuvosangho
Jaintapur farmers thrive with bumper watermelon harvest
Jaintapur farmers thrive with bumper watermelon harvest
3 hours ago | Business
Stable temperatures, dry weather expected in Dhaka
Stable temperatures, dry weather expected in Dhaka
3 hours ago | City
Champions Trophy: Rickelton, Markram power proteas to 315 against Afghans
Champions Trophy: Rickelton, Markram power proteas to 315 against Afghans
15 hours ago | Sports
Independence won thru student-mass people's blood must be retained: Annie
Independence won thru student-mass people's blood must be retained: Annie
16 hours ago | National