The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned detailed information from Eastern Bank PLC Chairman Md Showkat Ali Chowdhury and his family on their financial transactions, national identity documents, tax records, and other relevant papers as part of its investigation into allegations of irregularities and corruption against them.
The documents were sought through a letter issued on November 16. Earlier, on October 9, the ACC had initiated the inquiry. ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam on Wednesday confirmed that the commission had requested the records.
According to the letter, banks have been asked to provide account opening forms-with all supporting documents-and complete transaction histories from inception for any accounts or schemes held by Showkat Ali, his wife, children, or companies owned or linked to them. Copies of NID cards, TIN certificates, and passports of all individuals concerned have also been requested.
The ACC further sought comprehensive records of any loan facilities taken by Showkat Ali, his family members, or their associated entities, including loan applications, branch recommendations, approval notes, and account statements.
Eastern Bank PLC, where the family holds accounts and has taken loans, has been specifically instructed to submit these documents within seven working days as part of the ongoing investigation.
A three-member ACC team has been formed to investigate the allegations.
The summons letter mentions allegations that Showkat Ali and his family transacted about Tk 80 billion through bank accounts and laundered money abroad using shell companies under the guise of ship-breaking LCs.
A formal complaint was lodged with the ACC on September 14. Earlier, on June 30, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) froze all bank accounts held by Showkat Ali and his family members.
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