Sikder Group’s MD Ron dies

Controversial businessman Ron Haque Sikdar, a fugitive accused in multiple cases involving money laundering and corruption, has died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He passed away at 2:20 PM local time on Monday.

According to family sources, he had been admitted to the hospital about a week ago due to liver-related complications and died while receiving treatment.

Ron Haque Sikdar was facing several serious cases in Bangladesh on charges of money laundering and corruption. On May 19, 2020, EXIM Bank filed an attempted murder case against him at Gulshan Police Station. The case alleged that Sikdar, Managing Director of Sikdar Group, along with his brother Dipu Haque Sikdar, was involved in the torture and attempted shooting of two bank officials.

A former director of National Bank Limited, Sikdar had reportedly been living in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates for an extended period to evade arrest.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted separate charge sheets in two cases against 13 individuals, including Ron Haque Sikdar and his brother Rick Haque Sikdar, on allegations of money laundering and corruption.

In addition, multiple cases linked to his involvement with National Bank Limited remain under trial under the Anti-Corruption Prevention Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

His death has sparked mixed reactions within business circles, as he was a leading figure of Sikdar Group-one of the country’s most discussed and controversial industrial conglomerates.

His name had long been associated with various allegations related to financial crimes and law-and-order issues.