Dhaka, August 28 — The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has ordered the suspension of bank accounts belonging to Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League and former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges. This directive was issued to various banks and financial institutions across the country on Tuesday.
The BFIU, a branch of the Central Bank responsible for financial intelligence, instructed that any accounts maintained in the name of Obaidul Quader or his privately owned companies be frozen for a period of 30 days under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Additionally, any access to lockers in his name is to be halted for the same duration.
The suspension letter from BFIU also mentioned the names of Obaidul Quader's parents, his National Identity Card number, and his date of birth. Furthermore, banks have been asked to provide detailed account information, including account opening forms, Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation, and transaction statements, to the BFIU.
Obaidul Quader has served as the General Secretary of the Awami League since October 2016. He was also the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges until the Awami League government fell on August 5. Quader, a former President of Bangladesh Chhatra League, was a Member of Parliament representing the Noakhali-5 Constituency.
Since the resignation of Sheikh Hasina on August 5 and her subsequent departure from the country, Obaidul Quader has not been seen. In the wake of the government's fall, several former ministers have been arrested, and the bank accounts of numerous ministers, MPs, and businessmen affiliated with the Awami League have been suspended.
Multiple cases have been filed against various political leaders, including Obaidul Quader, in different parts of the country. These cases include serious charges, such as murder, signaling an intensifying crackdown on former government officials and affiliates.
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