Staff Reporter :
Law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), are on the hunt for Jannat-Ara-Talukder Henry, the former Member of Parliament for Sirajganj-2, who has mysteriously amassed a fortune worth hundreds of crores of Taka.
Once a modest school teacher, Henry’s sudden rise to immense wealth has left many wondering: what is the “magic lamp” that transformed her into a multi-millionaire?
Henry, now a controversial figure, has been linked to various allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
Despite an annual income of only Tk 1.22 lakh and expenses of Tk 80,000 as reported in her tax statement 15 years ago, her wealth has ballooned by an astonishing 884 times, now standing at nearly Tk 57 crore.
Reliable sources suggest that the actual market value of her assets could be over Tk 300 crore.
The ACC has decided to reopen an investigation into Henry’s wealth, a move that has sparked both anticipation and concern among Sirajganj residents.
The investigation comes after three separate cases were filed against her in connection with the deaths of three Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal activists during the Quota Reform Movement.
Henry’s rapid ascent began after her appointment to the board of directors of Sonali Bank in 2009, following her defeat in the 2008 national elections.
Her tenure coincided with the infamous Hallmark loan scandal, where key figures, including Hallmark Group’s Tanveer Ahmed, accused members of the Sonali Bank board, including Henry, of accepting bribes.
Despite these serious allegations, Henry, like other board members, escaped legal action, raising questions about the integrity of the ACC’s previous investigations.
Henry’s lavish lifestyle is starkly at odds with her humble beginnings as a school teacher.
In Sirajganj, she owns multiple commercial buildings, luxury vehicles, and vast tracts of land. She is rumored to have funneled money abroad through illegal channels and to possess significant undisclosed assets, including properties in Dhaka and Sirajganj, gold ornaments, and luxury cars.
Her husband, Shamim Talukdar Labu, has similarly seen his wealth skyrocket, increasing 136 times over the past 15 years.
He now owns assets worth nearly Tk 10 crore and has reportedly purchased properties and vehicles in Germany.
The ACC’s renewed focus on Henry’s financial dealings has reignited public interest in her case.
Where is Henry now? While rumors suggest she may still be hiding in Sirajganj under the protection of influential allies, her exact whereabouts remain unknown.
The ACC’s investigation could finally reveal the secrets behind her staggering wealth and bring closure to one of Bangladesh’s most perplexing corruption cases.
When contacted for comment, Henry’s phone was found to be switched off, leaving many questions unanswered about her sudden disappearance and the true source of her wealth.