Dr. Jonaid Shafi, described in the report as a financial sector figure and relative of former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, is reportedly preparing to return to Bangladesh to manage the minister’s business interests. According to the source, Shafi fled the country after a July uprising and has since been living in Dubai. He faces at least 26 cases, including corruption and money laundering charges, with two charge sheets already filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. A Chattogram court has issued an arrest warrant against him, and his and his wife’s bank accounts have been frozen by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.

The report states that Shafi is attempting to rebrand himself as sympathetic to the opposition BNP, seeking contact with party leaders and the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh. He allegedly plans to surrender upon return, seek bail citing health reasons, and then attempt to regain control of his former business network. Allegations against him include embezzlement of hundreds of crores of taka from banks and misuse of corporate loans.

The source notes that efforts to obtain Shafi’s comment were unsuccessful.