Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, or BFIU, has frozen the bank accounts of eight individuals, including Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and his four sons.

The financial intelligence unit of the central bank sent a directive to the commercial banks on Sunday.

The individuals listed in the BFIU’s letter include Sobhan, Co-Chairman Sadat Sobhan, Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir, and Vice-Chairman Safiat Sobhan and Safwan Sobhan.

The BFIU has also directed the banks to freeze the accounts of Sonia Ferdousi Sobhan, Sabrina Sobhan, and Yeasha Sobhan.

According to the BIFU’s letter, the accounts will remain frozen for 30 days under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.

The BIFU instructed banks to submit information regarding all operational accounts, loans, and import-export transactions held by these individuals and their associated businesses within two working days.

An official from the agency told bdnews24.com that the letter was sent to banks in the afternoon.

The managing director of one bank that received the letter said account holders can make deposits, but withdrawals and transfers will be prohibited until further notice.

The action comes amid investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department, or CID, and the National Board of Revenue, or NBR, into allegations of land encroachment, money laundering, and tax evasion against Bashundhara Group.

Following the end of the Awami League's 15-year rule on Aug 5, the caretaker administration has intensified its focus on corruption and irregularities in government offices, the financial sector, and major companies.

On Sept 5, the CID announced its decision to investigate allegations of land encroachment involving Sobhan and his son Anvir, amounting to Tk 1.5 trillion.

Earlier, the NBR had begun investigations into serious allegations of tax evasion and financial irregularities against the conglomerate, which was established in 1987 and known for benefiting under the ousted Awami League government.

The NBR's Central Intelligence Cell, or CIC, initiated investigations on Aug 22, looking into allegations of substantial illegal asset acquisition and tax evasion involving Bashundhara and several other major industrial groups.

On Oct 2, the NBR said it had sent a letter to the Directorate General of Joint Capital Companies and Firms requesting to postpone the transfer of Bashundhara's ownership.