A tragic accident occurred on Sunday noon (October 26) when a bearing pad from the Farmgate Metro Rail station fell, killing a pedestrian. Investigations reveal that concerns over the quality of these bearing pads had already been raised in 2020 by BUET’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their tests found that some imported pads used in the Uttara-Agargaon section of the Metro Rail project failed to meet safety standards. The rubber-based pads, supplied by the Italian-Thai Development Company, play a crucial role in maintaining the structure’s balance and durability. Despite warnings and test results, reports suggest that defective pads were used in parts of the construction, potentially endangering public safety. BUET experts had cautioned that poor-quality pads could cause structural instability. Authorities now face criticism for negligence and lack of timely replacement despite early red flags.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of shares worth approximately Tk 800 crore belonging to S. Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, his family, and close associates. The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Sabbir Fayeaz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court on Monday (October 20), came following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to ACC sources, a total of 513,182,286 shares across 105 companies and institutions, valued at Tk 800.37 crore, were frozen to prevent their transfer. The petition, filed by ACC Deputy Director Tahsin Monabil Haque, alleged that Alam and his associates were attempting to move the shares elsewhere. This move follows an earlier court directive on July 9 to freeze 53 bank accounts held by the same individuals amid ongoing corruption allegations against the group.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a charge sheet against 26 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman and former Janata Bank Chairman Professor Dr. Abul Barkat, in a major loan fraud and embezzlement case involving approximately Tk 297 crore. The case alleges that loans were approved and disbursed from Janata Bank against land shown to contain non-existent structures, violating central bank regulations and government directives. The value of the undeveloped land was falsely inflated from about Tk 3 crore to nearly Tk 600 crore, facilitating large-scale misappropriation. Other accused include former Janata Bank MD Abdus Salam Azad and directors Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Nagibul Islam Dipu, and others linked to Suprav Spinning Ltd. However, three individuals were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The ACC confirmed that the charge sheet now includes six additional names identified during the investigation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of widespread corruption in the recruitment process at the Bengali Academy, involving 175 appointments. The probe revealed that the then Director General Nurul Huda and others took bribes of up to 10 lakh taka for hiring fourth-grade employees and manipulated recruitment procedures. Despite 4,000 candidates passing the written exams, only 500 were called for interviews, with 175 appointments made unlawfully. The ACC is investigating the political and administrative influence behind these illegal practices.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of movable and immovable assets belonging to former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, following an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) petition. The ACC cited concerns over possible asset transfers that could hinder the investigation. Seized assets include 15.15 acres of land, two buildings, and four shops in Natore, along with significant bank deposits. Palak, his son, and mother-in-law collectively hold over Tk 47 million in multiple bank accounts, according to the ACC.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Nazrul Islam Majumder, the founder of NASA Group and former chairman of Exim Bank, for accumulating illegal assets worth 781 crore 31 lakh 22 thousand 454 Taka. The ACC alleges that Majumder used his power to acquire wealth through corruption, bribery, and money laundering, which is disproportionate to his known income. The case includes charges of embezzlement, financial irregularities, and illegal wealth acquisition.

Senior officials linked to the so-called ‘Police League’ forced Bangladesh’s Narcotics Department to change its newly introduced uniform, citing similarities with police attire. Despite a government committee’s ruling that the colors were distinct, high-ranking police officials pressured the department to comply. The uniform switch cost the government over Tk 4 crore, with the contract awarded to a company linked to an ex-Awami League MP. Further controversy arose as lab tests revealed the new uniforms were of substandard quality, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among officers.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has ordered the freezing of all lockers belonging to former and current officials of Bangladesh Bank, suspecting they may contain large sums of undeclared wealth. No assets are currently being allowed into or out of the lockers. This move follows recent recoveries from the locker of a former deputy governor, including foreign currency and gold. The ACC took action after discussions with the government’s economic advisor, who consented to freeze the assets.

A Dhaka court sentenced former Awami League MP Mizanur Rahman to eight years in prison for acquiring wealth beyond known sources. However, as the sentences will run concurrently, he will serve a maximum of five years. The court also ordered the confiscation of Tk 14.45 million. Mizanur was arrested after his bail was revoked. His lawyer claims the case was politically motivated and vows to appeal. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case in 2019, and the court recorded testimony from 11 witnesses.

Evaly’s Managing Director Mohammad Russell and Chairperson Shamima Nasrin have been sentenced to two years of imprisonment without labor for fraud. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 taka each, with an additional two months in jail for non-payment. They absconded, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. The case stemmed from a transaction where the plaintiff paid for bikes but never received them, despite multiple promises and attempts for repayment.

The government has canceled the passports of nine individuals, including Shibli Rubaiyat-ul-Islam, former Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), over allegations of involvement in a stock market scandal. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also imposed a travel ban. The accused, including former BSEC officials, are suspected of assisting in market manipulation and accumulating illegal wealth. Shibli Rubaiyat resigned following the political upheaval in August 2023, and his departure from the country is now restricted.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) uncovered 55,000 euros, 169,300 US dollars, 1,005 grams of gold, and FDRs worth 7 million taka from three lockers belonging to SK Sur Chowdhury, a former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank. The operation took place on January 26, following his arrest earlier this month for failing to respond to an ACC notice. SK Sur was also linked to the PK Halder financial scandal. The seized items are now under Bangladesh Bank’s custody. Investigations are ongoing.

Sri Lanka has revoked a $442 million power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy for two wind power projects following US allegations of bribery against the Indian conglomerate. The decision, marked as “Urgent & Confidential,” was finalized in early January by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s cabinet. Adani denies the cancellation claims, stating it’s a tariff review process. The scandal, involving $265 million in alleged bribes, has triggered global scrutiny of Adani’s projects.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Director. Allegations include corruption and unethical influence used to secure the role, along with misusing power to obtain a plot in Purbachal. The ACC launched an investigation on January 15 after verifying preliminary evidence. Additionally, the Bangladesh government has notified WHO of its decision to work directly with the organization due to financial and criminal cases against Putul. She was appointed as Regional Director in February 2024, but her qualifications and legitimacy for the role are under scrutiny.

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and three others over dishonored checks worth approximately 41.5 million BDT in a case filed by IFIC Bank. The checks, issued by Shakib’s Agro Farm Limited, were dishonored due to insufficient funds. Despite being summoned, Shakib and the other accused failed to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to issue the warrant. The case stems from business loans taken from the bank’s Banani branch.