The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is scrutinizing allegations against Jahangir Alam, a former peon of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for allegedly amassing Tk400 crore through illicit means.
Known as “Pani Jahangir,” Alam is accused of exploiting his position to accumulate significant wealth.
Sources at the ACC have disclosed that the matter will be addressed in the commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday, where a decision regarding a formal investigation will be made.
Two senior officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the issue is expected to be formalized as a complaint soon.
PM’s ex-peon Jahangir flees to US amid corruption allegationOnce reviewed, the commission plans to form a probe committee to investigate the alleged corruption and illegal wealth accumulation.
Efforts are underway to collect proper documentation on Jahangir’s movable and immovable properties.
The ACC is also collaborating with the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) under Bangladesh Bank to gather details of his bank accounts.
The BFIU has already ordered a freeze on the bank accounts of Jahangir, his wife Kamrun Nahar, and organizations related to them.
Banks have been instructed to provide detailed information on these accounts within the next five days.
At a press conference on Sunday, PM Hasina commented on the issue without naming Jahangir directly, saying: “A peon worked in my house, now he’s the owner of Tk 400 crore. He doesn’t travel without a helicopter now.”
Who is Jahangir Alam, aka ‘Pani Jahangir’
Jahangir Alam, hailing from Noakhali, served as a peon at Sudha Sadan, Sheikh Hasina’s residence, when she was leader of the opposition in parliament.
He earned the nickname “Pani Jahangir” for serving water to visitors.
Following Hasina’s ascension to prime minister, Jahangir continued to work as part of her personal staff.
He became known among party members, especially after the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina.
Sources indicate that Jahangir used his position to engage in various unethical activities, falsely presenting himself as the prime minister’s personal assistant.
Initial evidence suggests that Jahangir owns multiple plots and flats in Dhaka, including a 2,500 square foot flat in Dhanmondi under his wife’s name, an eight-story house in Harinarayanpur, Maijdi city of Noakhali, and two shops in Mohammadpur and New Market.
He also owns a seven-story building and two flats in Mirpur 1.
Political aspirations
Jahangir Alam’s ambition extended into the political arena, where he spent substantial sums in Noakhali in an attempt to become a Member of Parliament.
He held numerous political meetings and gatherings and sought the nomination of the Awami League for the 12th national election.
Although he failed to secure the party nomination, he later withdrew from running as an independent candidate.
Despite his controversial activities, he holds the position of vice-president of the Chatkhil Upazila Awami League.
