Staff Reporter :
A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) inquiry has revealed allegations of large-scale corruption and money laundering involving former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members during the Awami League government’s tenure. The investigation, spanning multiple years and jurisdictions, raises serious concerns about financial irregularities and abuse of power.
The FBI report, submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice in April 2023, accuses Sheikh Hasina and her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, of laundering $300 million (approximately Tk 3,600 crore) to accounts in the United States and the United Kingdom. In response, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated an investigation into the allegations on 22 December 2024.
The report highlights Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s ownership of eight luxury cars, including a 2018 McLaren 720S and a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, as well as his connections to five companies, such as Wazed Consulting Inc. and Ecom Systems Inc.
The FBI traced suspicious financial transfers to Washington, D.C., New York, and London, with flagged accounts in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands linked to Sajeeb.
Sheikh Hasina’s sister, Sheikh Rehana, and her children are also implicated. Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, a former UK minister, resigned following allegations of corruption. Elon Musk, in a tweet on 15 January 2025, remarked, “The Labour minister for child welfare shields the predators and their anti-corruption minister is corrupt,” referencing Tulip Siddiq in a retweet by Mario Nawfal.
Musk’s comment, as he prepares to join US President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet, has raised questions about the future stance of the US administration towards Hasina’s allies.
Rehana’s son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, is accused of profiting from billion-dollar deals linked to prepaid electricity meters during the Awami League government. Reports indicate that 45 million prepaid meters were imported with significant involvement from individuals close to former State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid.
A company, Oculin Tech BD Ltd., reportedly received contracts despite lacking relevant experience, with two associates of Radwan Mujib Siddiq serving in key positions.
The ACC is also investigating alleged corruption involving Tk 80,000 crore across nine major development projects during the Awami League’s tenure (2009-2023). Notable projects under scrutiny include the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project.
FBI findings, in collaboration with UK intelligence, have traced financial activities and property acquisitions linked to the Wazed family. Investigations also involve Sajeeb’s wife, Kristine O Wazed, with suspicious transactions identified in Massachusetts and Virginia.
The ACC, led by Deputy Director Md Salauddin, is gathering evidence from various agencies, including the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit and the Election Commission. Initial findings point to systemic corruption involving influential figures tied to the former regime.
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat corruption and ensure public officials adhere to ethical standards. Ongoing investigations by the FBI and ACC aim to reveal the full extent of financial misconduct and establish accountability.
