ACC files case against Centre for Research and Information over tax evasion, money laundering
The ACC investigation found that despite lacking registration, they collected Tk45.35 crore from 23 different entities
The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) today (10 November) filed a case against the ruling Awami League's research wing, the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), on charges of securing tax exemption without registration, embezzling funds, and laundering a large sum of money through irregular transactions.
Assistant Director Mubashshira Atia Tama filed the case at the ACC's Integrated District Office, Dhaka‑1, said ACC Public Relations Officer and Deputy Director Akterul Islam.
The case names eight accused, including CRI Trustee Board Chairman Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Vice‑Chairman Saima Wazed Putul, Trustee Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, former finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, former state minister for power Nasrul Hamid, former NBR chairman Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, former NBR member Rowshan Ara Akhter, and CRI Executive Director Shabbir Bin Shams.
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According to the case statement, a total of Tk15.68 crore from funds deposited in CRI's accounts was embezzled while CRI enjoyed tax exemption benefits despite not being registered under the Department of Social Services, causing financial losses to the government.
The complaint further said the organisation conducted "unusual transactions" across multiple bank accounts, transferring large sums of money suspected to be linked to money laundering activities.
The ACC investigation found that despite lacking registration, CRI collected Tk45.35 crore from 23 different entities. Review of income tax records showed that between the fiscal years 2014–15 and 2023–24, CRI reported income of Tk100.31 crore but failed to provide valid documentation for Tk20.45 crore in expenditures.
The discrepancy analysis indicated that while CRI's accounts showed a balance of Tk70.80 crore, bank statements reflected only Tk55.11 crore, leaving Tk15.68 crore unaccounted for, which the ACC claims was embezzled.
The case further alleges that in 2019, CRI trustee Nasrul Hamid applied to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for tax exemption despite the organisation not having proper registration. The then finance minister, NBR chairman, and NBR member approved the request, issuing SRO No. 83‑Law/2019, which the ACC says violated provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance.
Taking advantage of the exemption, CRI allegedly evaded a total of Tk36.52 lakh in taxes over three fiscal years — Tk9.47 lakh in 2020–21, Tk13.26 lakh in 2021–22, and Tk13.78 lakh in 2022–23.
The ACC said its review of 25 bank accounts under CRI's name revealed deposits of Tk247.85 crore and withdrawals of Tk191.21 crore, amounting to transactions worth Tk439 crore deemed "unusual."
The incident occurred between 30 December 2014 and 10 July 2024.
