Staff Reporter :
Jahangir Alam, a former peon of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who amassed a fortune worth Tk400 crore, has fled to the United States amid widespread criticism.
His elder brother, Md Mir Hossain, confirmed this information to the media on Monday afternoon.
The central bank had earlier ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of Jahangir Alam, his wife Kamrun Nahar, and their associated institutions.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed on Sunday that one of her household staff members had amassed this substantial fortune.
Investigations revealed that the individual in question is Jahangir Alam, also known as “Pani Jahangir,” from Khilpara union in Noakhali.
He serves as president of the Khilpara Union Awami League of Chatkhil Upazila in Noakhali.
Jahangir owns a four-storey house in Naharkhil village of Khilpara union.
When a reporter visited this house, they met Mir Hossain on the ground floor, while the top three floors, previously occupied by Jahangir, were locked and empty.
Mir Hossain disclosed that Jahangir has two wives; the first wife remains in Bangladesh with one child, while the second wife resides in the US with three children.
Jahangir traveled to the US on Sunday night to be with his second wife and children.
Mir Hossain expressed his shock and embarrassment upon learning of his brother’s amassed wealth and subsequent departure.
He mentioned that Jahangir had a close relationship with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, allowing him easy access to her office.
Since Sunday night, all of Jahangir’s personal mobile numbers have been switched off, and communication with him has been impossible.
Jahangir Alam, during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure in opposition, served as a staff member at her residence, Sudha Sadan.
He earned the nickname “Pani Jahangir” due to his role in carrying drinking water for Sheikh Hasina at various events.
When Sheikh Hasina became prime minister, Jahangir continued working as her personal staff.
Despite his modest position, he often identified himself as the prime minister’s personal assistant. Attempts to reach Jahangir Alam via his personal mobile number, SMS, and WhatsApp were unsuccessful.
Leveraging this identity, he engaged in various lucrative activities, amassing wealth and properties in Noakhali and Dhaka. He was also often seen carrying a licensed pistol.
Although the prime minister did not mention the name and the identity of the peon, several sources in the Prime Minister’s Office said that the peon’s name is Jahangir Alam.
According to sources familiar with the matter, a notification was issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on December 6, saying Jahangir Alam had no connection with the head of government or her office.
The notice warned the public to remain cautious and seek assistance from law enforcement if necessary.
Following his financial ascent, Jahangir ventured into politics, securing the vice president position of the Chatkhil upazila Awami League.
