Dhaka, Mar 27 (V7N) – A Dhaka court has sentenced GK Shamim to five years and six months of rigorous imprisonment for illegally acquiring assets beyond known income sources. However, his mother, Ayesha Akhter, who was also accused in the case, has been acquitted.

Judge Mohammad Rabiul Alam of Dhaka's Special Judge Court-4 delivered the verdict on Thursday morning, ordering the confiscation of Tk 297 crore in illegally acquired assets in favor of the state.

“The prosecution has successfully proven the charges against GK Shamim beyond reasonable doubt. He is being punished for his crime,” the judge said in the verdict.

Background of the Case

On September 20, 2019, RAB raided Shamim’s residence and office in Niketan as part of an anti-casino crackdown. Authorities seized:

  • Tk 2.5 crore in cash

  • Tk 165 crore in FDRs

  • Large sums of money in multiple bank accounts

In October 2019, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Shamim and his mother, accusing them of illegally amassing Tk 297.89 crore. The ACC submitted the charge sheet in 2021, and the trial began in October 2022.

Appeals from Both Sides

Following the verdict, ACC Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam expressed mixed feelings:

“We are not completely satisfied with the verdict. After reviewing the full order, we will decide whether to appeal.”

On the other hand, Shamim’s lawyer Borhan Uddin said:

“We are aggrieved by this decision and will appeal to the High Court. There are legal loopholes in this case, and we hope to get justice.”

Shamim, who was brought to court from jail, was immediately sent back after the verdict. His mother, who was out on bail, did not appear in court.

Illegally Acquired Assets & Financial Irregularities

According to the ACC investigation, Shamim had:

  • Tk 50 crore in immovable assets (2018-19 fiscal year)

  • Tk 165 crore in FDRs in the names of himself and his mother

  • Tk 43 crore in his mother's name

  • Tk 36 crore in assets, including company shares, cars, and additional FDRs

  • Cash & foreign currency worth Tk 1.81 crore

The ACC found no legal source for these funds, leading to the conviction.

Rise & Fall of GK Shamim

Shamim rose to power after 2009, allegedly using his political connections to secure large government contracts. He claimed to be a Jubo League leader, though the party later disavowed him.

At the time of his arrest, his company, GK Builders, was handling 22 government projects worth Tk 6,000 crore, including:

  • RAB headquarters

  • Secretariat buildings

  • Several hospitals

Following his arrest, his contracts were canceled, and his 194 bank accounts were frozen.

Other Cases Against Shamim

Shamim faces multiple other legal troubles:

  • Life imprisonment in an arms case (2022)

  • 10-year sentence in a money laundering case (2023)

  • Several ongoing cases under the Narcotics Act

With this latest conviction, his legal battles continue, while authorities move forward with seizing his illegally acquired assets.

END/MSS/AJ