Bangladesh Bank on Sunday ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s former personal assistant Jahangir Alam, his wife Kamrun Nahar and institutions associated with the couple.

The central bank has directed all financial institutions to submit comprehensive details, including account opening forms, within five working days.

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, under the central bank, issued the instruction.

According to the instruction, any accounts held under the names of the specified individuals and institutions associated with them must have their transactions suspended for 30 days under section 23 (1) (c) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to the issue during a press conference on Sunday, following her recent visit to China.

While discussing anti-corruption measures, she highlighted the amassed wealth of a former employee.

‘He worked in my house as a peon, and now his wealth is worth Tk 400 crore. He cannot travel without a helicopter. The real question is how he made so much money. After I found out, I took action,’ said the prime minister.

Jahangir Alam served as the prime minister’s personal assistant for two consecutive terms and part of the last term. He was removed from his position due to various allegations but continued to engage in unethical activities while falsely presenting himself as the prime minister’s assistant.

In light of these activities, a special notification warning about Jahangir was issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in December 2023. The notice explicitly stated that Jahangir Alam had no affiliation with the PMO.

Jahangir Alam hails from Naharkhil village of Khilpara union under Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali. He previously served as vice president of Noakhali District Awami League.