Shamim Osman, wife sued for corruption
Staff Reporter :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday filed two cases against former Awami League lawmaker for Narayanganj-4, Shamim Osman, and his wife, Salma Osman, on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 9.38 crore.
The cases were filed following approval of the commission on the day, said the ACC deputy director for public relations Aktarul Islam.
A case was filed against Shamim on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 6.67 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 439.82 crore in his nine bank accounts.
Another case was filed against Shamim’s wife Salma Osman, on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 2.70 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 24.66 crore in her eight bank accounts.
The ACC also decided to issue a notice asking Shamim’s son, Imtinan Osman, and daughter, Labiba Zoha Angona, to submit wealth statements to the Commission.
Earlier on January 16, ACC also filed a case against Shamim Osman, his wife Salma Osman, and her brother Tanvir Ahmed on charges of laundering $25.1 million (approximately Tk 193.9 crore).
According to the case, K Telecommunications Limited’s chairman, Salma Osman, and its managing director, Tanvir Ahmed, and Shamim Osman, have allegedly laundered $25.1 million in violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2012.
On the other hand, the anti-graft watchdog has launched a formal inquiry into Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman over allegations of abuse of power, embezzlement, money laundering, and illegal accumulation of asset.
According to a letter issued by ACC Assistant Director (Inquiry and Investigation-5) Md Naushad Ali on 10 July, the commission has formed a two-member inquiry team to investigate the complaints.
The inquiry team is led by Naushad Ali himself, with Deputy Assistant Director Md Imran Akon serving as a member.
Confirming the development, Naushad Ali told the media that a letter detailing the allegations and requesting relevant documents was issued on 10 July.”
The letter notes that the requested documents are essential for a proper and thorough investigation into the complaints.
The ACC has asked the port chairman to submit various documents related to the allegations by 28 July.
The documents include records of approval letters, financial allocations, tender documents, evaluation committee reports, work orders, and bills connected to the Karnaphuli River dredging project.
Additionally, the ACC has requested attested photocopies of passports, national ID cards, and birth registration documents of the chairman’s wife and children.
Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman is currently abroad on an official visit. Attempts to reach him for comment via WhatsApp calls and messages received no response.
The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has once again raised serious concerns over widespread financial irregularities at the Chattogram Port Authority, with its audit report for the fiscal year 2023-24 identifying 72 major anomalies involving around Tk1,314 crore.
Among these, 44 incidents – worth Tk265 crore – were related to tender manipulation and corruption in contract management, the report revealed.
Insiders alleged that a powerful syndicate, which gained strength during the Awami League government, continues to operate in the absence of proper supervision. The group is reportedly rigging tenders to benefit preferred companies, frequently sidelining the lowest bidders and inflating project costs.
For instance, in the Laldia Container Terminal-2 project, the contract was awarded allegedly by inflating costs by approximately Tk10 crore through tender rigging.
Sources within the port say this syndicate changes tender terms at will, disqualifies competent firms, and ensures contracts go to companies aligned with their interests. This has led to persistent wastage of public funds and growing fears that such practices will continue unless addressed.