In two separate cases, a Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of Tk1.33 billion worth of investments belonging to the Sikder family in Thai companies, as well as 114 accounts in local banks that belong to the former personal secretary of a former minister.
The first order was issued Monday after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted a petition regarding investments held in seven companies in Thailand under the names of Ron Haque Sikder, Rick Haque Sikder, and Parveen Haque Sikder. They are the children of the late Zainul Haque Sikder, former chairman of National Bank.
The investments were made between 2004 and 2015 in companies registered in Thailand, including Koi Restaurant Co. Limited, Sikder Group Limited, Sikder Holdings Limited, R & R Restaurant Group Limited, Jirana Co. Limited, JR Architects International Co. Limited, and Sikder & Garret Development Co. Limited. These companies are located in four districts of Bangkok.
According to the ACC, Ron and Rick Sikder are shareholders in these companies. The ACC has accused members of the Sikder family and their associates of corruption, misuse of power, illegal loans in exchange for bribes, and money laundering abroad.
A seven-member joint investigation team has been formed to look into these allegations against the Sikder Group.
Meanwhile, another Dhaka court on the same day frozen 114 bank accounts belonging to Towfika Karim, the former personal secretary of ex-law minister Anisul Huq.
The ACC requested the order as part of its investigation into suspicious financial dealings.
The ACC reported that more than Tk 6.53 billion was deposited in Towfika's accounts, with Tk 5.66 billion withdrawn. Currently, the accounts hold approximately Tk 869.8 million.
The ACC alleged that Towfika misused her connections to the former law minister to facilitate bail for accused individuals, accept money in exchange for job recruitment, and advocate for job transfers.
With the illegal income, she purportedly purchased flats, cars, land, and sent money abroad.
The ACC informed the court that Towfika and her associates transferred money abroad in an organized manner, which violates the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
Freezing the accounts was deemed necessary to prevent further transfers.
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