The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed banks and financial institutions to freeze the bank accounts of approximately 100 individuals suspected of being involved in instigating unrest in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
For the same reason, the agency has also requested detailed bank transaction information for another 125 entities.
This initiative has been undertaken to investigate whether funds belonging to these individuals and organizations were used to finance instability within the garment sector.
This information was obtained from NBR sources, who stated that two intelligence units of the NBR sent letters to banks and financial institutions requesting them to identify and freeze the bank accounts of these individuals.
Additionally, the agency has asked for detailed transaction statements for the 125 entities.
Most of the individuals on the list are associated with the ousted Awami League government.
They include former ministers, members of parliament, and influential business leaders.
Notable individuals on the list feature Salman F Rahman, Abdus Salam Murshedy, Tipu Munshi, Shahriar Alam, Nasrul Hamid, and Tajul Islam.
Furthermore, business figures named on the list include Fazlur Rahman of Tusuka Group, Abdus Salam of Well Group, Khosru Chowdhury of Nipa Group, Mosharraf Hossain of Standard Group, and SM Mannan Kochi, former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The names of their family members are also included.
According to NBR sources, the list of individuals whose accounts are being frozen also includes Alif Molla, brother-in-law of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan.
Sources further stated that evidence of transactions conducted via cryptocurrencies, in addition to mobile financial services, has been uncovered.
A senior NBR official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the initiative to identify and freeze the bank accounts was taken based on information provided by several government agencies. At the same time, transaction statements for a large number of institutions have been requested.
Asked about the reason, the official explained that these individuals and entities are accused of financing activities aimed at creating unrest in the garment industry.
Their financial transactions are being scrutinized to verify the truth of these allegations.
Some of these individuals are currently in prison, while others are in hiding. However, the NBR's investigation into the allegations against them has not yet concluded.
Officials concerned noted that this list could grow even longer, describing the investigation as an ongoing process.
They were unable to specify when the probe would reach completion.