A UK lawmaker is urging the National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate former Bangladeshi minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury for alleged corruption and money laundering.
Apsana Begum, a Labour MP of Bangladeshi descent, wrote to NCA Director General Graeme Biggar, requesting scrutiny of Saifuzzaman's assets in the UK. She highlighted that he is already under investigation by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged embezzlement, with claims that he funneled millions into the UK.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Saifuzzaman's entities have acquired at least 280 properties in the UK, valued at over £150 million. Additionally, an Al-Jazeera investigation revealed he owns 74 properties in Begum's constituency of Poplar and Limehouse.
“The assets in question belong to Bangladesh and must be returned to support its people in their fight for democracy,” she stated. She emphasized that corruption has severely affected living standards, workplace rights, and democratic freedoms in Bangladesh.
Begum urged the NCA to clarify what steps have been taken to investigate and freeze Saifuzzaman's UK-based assets. She stressed that recovering misappropriated funds is vital for justice and the future of rights in Bangladesh, as well as for the UK's international reputation.
