Dhaka, August 19 — The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has taken a significant step by freezing the bank accounts of former Member of Parliament (MP) Sheikh Helal Uddin and his son, former MP Sheikh Sarhan Naser, amid ongoing investigations. This action also extends to the business establishments owned by them, effectively suspending all transactions related to these accounts.

Sheikh Helal Uddin and his son, Sheikh Tanmoy, who both served as MPs representing constituencies in Bagerhat, are cousins of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On Monday, BFIU issued directives to all banks and financial institutions across the country, instructing them to freeze the personal and business accounts associated with Sheikh Helal, his wife Rupa Chowdhury, and their son Sheikh Tanmoy.

The suspension, which is valid for 30 days, is enacted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Banks have been instructed to submit all related account information, including opening forms, Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, and transaction statements, within five working days of receiving the directive.

In addition to Sheikh Helal and his family, BFIU has also ordered the freezing of accounts belonging to several other high-profile individuals. These include former Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, her husband Taufiq Nawaz, and her elder brother Dr. JR Wadud Tipu, as well as Dr. Taimur Nawaz. The list also features former Health Minister Zahid Malek’s daughter Cynthia Malek and son Rahat Malek, former Chhatra League President Liaquat Sikder and his wife Mahmuda Ali Sikder, and former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) Major General Ziaul Ahsan and his wife Nusrat Jahan.

This move by the BFIU underscores the ongoing efforts by the interim government to investigate financial irregularities and enforce accountability among prominent figures associated with the previous government. The investigation into these accounts is part of a broader crackdown aimed at addressing allegations of corruption and money laundering.