Court freezes Ruhal’s 56 bank accounts

Staff Reporter :

A Dhaka court on Wednesday directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to freeze 56 bank accounts belonging to former health minister AFM Ruhal Haque, his wife Ila Haque, and their son Ziaul Haque in connection with ongoing corruption allegations.

According to the court order, a total of Tk 18.85 crore is deposited in these accounts. Of the 56 accounts, 39 are in the name of Ruhal Haque, two belong to his wife, and 15 are registered to his son.

Judge Sabbir Faiz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court issued the order after ACC Assistant Director SM Rashedul Hasan, who is leading the inquiry, submitted a petition seeking to freeze the accounts.

ACC Public Prosecutor Mohammad Hafizur Rahman presented the petition before the court on behalf of the commission.

In its application, the ACC stated that Ruhal Haque and his family members had allegedly been attempting to transfer the funds from their accounts, which could hinder the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations.

“If the money is moved, it may obstruct the inquiry process,” the petition said, requesting immediate action to prevent such transfers.
Earlier, on 3 October 2024, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) had already directed banks to freeze all accounts held by Ruhal Haque, Ila Haque, Ziaul Haque, and their daughter Mehzabin Haque as part of the broader financial investigation.