A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 191 bank accounts belonging to Summit Group and its affiliated entities amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of bribery, corruption, and illicit financial activities.
On Sunday (9 March) Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order in response to a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The ACC’s investigating officer, Deputy Director Alamgir Hossain, stated in the petition that these accounts collectively hold BDT 41.74 crore.
Confirming the development, ACC Deputy Director of Public Relations Akhtarul Islam said that the accounts in question contain substantial deposits, raising concerns about their legitimacy.
The petition outlined suspicions that Summit Group and its affiliated entities amassed significant wealth through illegal means, including bribery and money laundering, and subsequently transferred large sums abroad.
The ACC’s probe identified these accounts as potentially linked to financial irregularities, noting that the unusually large sums deposited appeared suspicious.
Investigators also expressed concerns that the funds could be withdrawn and moved overseas at any time, prompting the need for immediate action.
Citing Section 14 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012, the ACC argued that freezing the Tk41.74 crore held across these accounts was necessary to facilitate a fair investigation and prevent the possible concealment or transfer of the funds.
