by 
June 12, 2025 : Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a former minister under the Sheikh Hasina government, is under investigation for allegedly amassing over $500 million in assets in London, Dubai, and New York, as claimed by the I-Unit, an investigative body. These acquisitions reportedly took place during his tenure as a minister, despite Bangladesh’s strict foreign exchange regulations limiting citizens to transferring only $12,000 annually abroad. Chowdhury allegedly failed to declare these assets in his taxpayer filings, raising questions about their legitimacy.
The allegations surface amid a turbulent political landscape in Bangladesh. In 2024, before Sheikh Hasina fled the country, widespread protests led to violent crackdowns by security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The ensuing political instability prompted an interim government to take charge, launching nationwide probes into corruption allegations against Hasina’s close aides, including Chowdhury.
Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Chowdhury was recently spotted leading a luxurious lifestyle in a high-end residence near Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. In response to the allegations, he has claimed innocence, asserting that his overseas wealth was earned through legitimate business ventures over the years. He further alleges that he is a victim of political vendetta.
The seizure of Chowdhury’s assets in the UK has intensified scrutiny of the former Awami League government, further tarnishing its international reputation. Authorities continue to investigate the origins of his wealth as part of a broader crackdown on corruption linked to Hasina’s administration.
AI/MR
