ACC files two more cases against former minister Saifuzzaman, wife

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two separate cases accusing former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife and former United Commercial Bank (UCB) chair Rukmila Zaman, and several associates of extorting and laundering tens of crores of taka through abuse of power and bank fraud.

The cases were filed by Sub-Assisstant Director of Rubel Hossain of ACC headquarters at ACC Chattogram District Integrated Office-1 today (22 September), confirmed Deputy Director Shobel Ahmed.

According to the case statements, investigators allege that Saifuzzaman  and Rukmila used their control over UCB to force two business clients into paying a total of Tk60 crore in bribes disguised as loan transactions.

The first case centres on a Tk55 crore loan approved in early 2019 for HM Ship Breaking Industries Ltd by UCB's Agrabad branch in Chattogram. ACC investigators say Saifuzzaman, while serving as land minister and a former UCB director, pressured the company's managing director Mohammad Sarwar Alam to release the full loan amount to entities linked to Aramit Group, which is owned by the accused couple.

The money was allegedly channelled through multiple cheques into accounts opened under employees' names and later moved abroad. The case cites violations of the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

The second case involves a Tk20 crore loan sanctioned in January 2021 for Well Mart Ltd (Textile Unit) at UCB's Jubilee Road branch. Investigators say Tk5 crore from this facility was transferred to an account of a shell firm, Imperial Trading, controlled by Saifuzzaman's associates, and subsequently withdrawn in cash to repay the former minister's personal liabilities.

Both cases describe a pattern in which Saifuzzaman regularly occupied the UCB chairperson's office, issued instructions to bank officials, and even presided over board meetings despite his wife holding the chair. Resolutions were allegedly taken to his Dhaka residence for Rukmila Zaman's signature.

Other accused include former UCB director Syed Kamruzzaman, Aramit executives Md Abdul Aziz, Md Yasinur Rahman, Mohammad Misbahul Alam, and accounts executive Md Yusuf Chowdhury. They are accused of opening fake accounts, transferring funds, and assisting in laundering proceeds abroad.

The ACC sais the two cases are part of a larger probe into at least Tk213.75 crore in suspected illicit transfers through UCB branches and Aramit-linked entities. Investigators added that more individuals could be implicated as the inquiry continues.

Moshiur Rahman, deputy director of ACC headquarter and team leader of the task focre formed to investigte Saifuzzaman's corruption, told The Business Standard, "A total of 10 cases have been filed, including three today -- two in Chattogram and one in Dhaka -- against Saifuzzaman and his aides. More cases will follow soon."