ACC finds over Tk14,000cr suspicious transactions in accounts of Narayanganj UP chairman

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found suspicious transactions amounting to over Tk14,000 crore through the bank accounts of Md Lak Mia, chairman of Brahammandi Union Parishad under Narayanganj's Araihazar Upazila.

During his tenure as chairman, suspicious transactions were found across 49 accounts, ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain told reporters today (6 March).

He said Lak Mia has also allegedly acquired illegal assets worth Tk55.23 crore through abuse of power.

The ACC filed a case against him regarding these allegations today, Akhtar said.

According to the case statement, Lak Mia possesses immovable and movable assets worth Tk58.70 crore. In contrast, his legitimate income sources account for only Tk3.46 crore. His bank transactions reveal deposits of Tk7,188.86 crore and withdrawals of ৳7,187.32 crore.

ACC said he acquired these illegal assets between 1990 and 2024.

Additionally, the ACC has filed a case against Lak Mia's wife, Mahmuda Begum, accusing her of acquiring Tk14.50 crore in undisclosed assets.

During Lak Mia's tenure as union parishad chairman, Mahmuda Begum's 14 bank accounts recorded total transactions of Tk461.17 crore, including Tk230.69 crore in deposits and Tk230.48 crore in withdrawals. These transactions took place between 2007 and 2024.

Meanwhile, suspicious transactions totalling Tk10,322.76 crore have been found in the 14 bank accounts of Lak Mia's employee, Md Mohsin Molla, whose monthly salary was only Tk12,000. He was also the managing director or owner of two companies—NRB Textile Mills Ltd and M/S NRB Traders. His accounts show deposits of Tk5,161.42 crore and withdrawals of Tk5,161.35 crore.

The ACC has announced that a new investigation file will be opened to further probe the financial activities of Mohsin Molla and his wife.

Who is Lak Mia

The UP chairman was arrested on 25 February as part of the "Operation Devil Hunt".

He faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.

Lak Mia is an influential member of the Awami League in the upazila. With the help of former Awami League MP Nazrul Islam Babur, he secured the position of chairman of the union parishad for three consecutive terms.

Although he portrays himself as an industrialist in the political arena, he is infamous for his involvement in land grabbing within his locality. By engaging in large-scale land transactions and fraudulent practices, he has amassed significant wealth in a short period, much of it accumulated after taking office as chairman.

According to BNP leaders in Araihazar, Lak Mia was considered the "cashier" for MP Babur. Despite being a member of the upazila Awami League, many district leaders of the party sought his recommendations.

After assuming the chairman's role, Lak Mia began seizing land and properties from ordinary people in his union and nearby areas. In some cases, he paid them a small sum, while in others, he paid nothing, yet managed to transfer the land to his own name.

Lak Mia's wealth is not limited to himself. His wife, Mahmuda Begum, daughters Minju Akhter and Hafsa Akhter, and even his personal assistant are believed to have accounts that hold shares of his vast fortune.

There are rumours that he owns at least 11 properties in Dhaka and possesses at least 450 bighas of land in his own name. His wife and daughters also hold substantial land in their names.

On a family level, Lak Mia is the owner of Bhai Bhai Spinning Mills. However, this single factory serves as a front for his enormous illegal wealth.