The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former shipping minister Shajahan Khan and his son,
Ashibur Rahman Khan, over allegations of acquiring and possessing assets worth Tk9.89 crore disproportionate to their known sources of income.
A Dhaka court on Monday ordered that the two be shown arrested in the case.
Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Shahjahan Kabir passed the order following an application filed on September 7 by ACC Assistant Director Mahathir Muhammad Samir, who is investigating the case.
ACC lawyer Mohammad Khadimul Haque confirmed the matter.
While being taken from the court, Shajahan Khan told journalists: “You will see who speaks their mind.”
He also commented on the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, saying: “By aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP has effectively become Jamaat-e-Islami.”
Defence objects to order
During the hearing, defence lawyer Mizanur Rahman Badsha opposed the application to show the accused arrested.
He argued that the allegations and the filing of the case did not follow proper procedures.
The lawyer said nine bank accounts were mentioned in the case, three of which were in Shajahan Khan’s name, while the others were joint accounts. He also claimed that the value of the assets had been inflated in the allegations.
He said Ashib had paid taxes on the assets in accordance with the law.
The defence also sought bail, with the court fixing October 15 for a hearing on the petition.
ACC allegations
According to the ACC case statement, movable and immovable assets worth Tk11.79 crore were found in Ashibur Rahman’s name.
The investigation found that his legitimate sources of income amounted to Tk1.90 crore.
The ACC said it found evidence of assets worth Tk9.89 crore that were disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The investigation report further alleged that Shajahan Khan, while serving as a member of parliament and minister, abused his position to facilitate the acquisition of the assets in his son’s name using funds obtained through dishonest means, both directly and indirectly.
ACC Deputy Director Kamlesh Mondal filed the case as the complainant on February 2, 2025.
The court has set November 25 for submission of the investigation report.