Court orders seizure of Abul Barkat’s two flats, freeze of car and bank accounts

A Dhaka court today (16 September) ordered the attachment of immovable properties worth Taka 49.61 lakh owned by economist and former chairman of the state-owned Janata Bank PLC, Prof Abul Barkat over graft charges.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Shahjahan Kabir passed the order allowing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). It also directed to freeze his movable properties worth Taka 3.50 crore and USD 10,250.

The petition said that an inquiry is underway into allegations against Dr Abul Barkat of acquiring assets beyond his known sources of income by illegally providing loans to various companies.

During the inquiry, information was found about immovable assets worth Taka 49,61,384 and movable assets worth Taka 3,50,31,065 and USD 10,250 in the name of Dr Abul Barkat, who is the subject of the allegations, according to the ACC petition.

It said information obtained from various sources suggested that the accused was trying to sell and transfer his immovable and movable assets held in his name.

“If the illegally acquired assets are transferred, converted or sold before disposal of the allegations, it could cause substantial loss to the state. Therefore, the properties held in the name of the accused should be immediately attached and frozen,” the petition added.