Bangladesh Bank investigating bank accounts of Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, wife

The Bangladesh Bank has asked for bank account details of war crimes convict Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and his wife Farhat Quader Chowdhury.

Intelligence agencies have asked for the central bank’s assistance to see whether the couple’s money is being used in the ongoing BNP-led alliance’s violence that has killed about 100 people.

A central bank official told bdnews24.com that Bangladesh Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) had written to all banks seeking details of accounts of the Chowdhury couple following the request.

The BFIU collects bank account details to investigate money laundering, terrorist funding and illegal incomes.

The letter, sent on Feb 18, directed the banks to submit information within seven days.

Former MP Salauddin Quader is currently lodged at the Kashimpur prison after a special tribunal sentenced him to death in 2013 for his Liberation War-time atrocities.

His appeal is currently being heard at the top appeals court.

BNP’s ally Jamaat-e-Islami, accused of perpetrating war crimes, has been running violent street campaigns against the conviction of its leaders on war crimes charges.

At least 100 people have been killed since Jan 5 when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia called a blockade to press for a snap election.

“Intelligence agencies suspect that either Salauddin Quader Chowdhury or his wife is funding the ongoing violence of the 20-Party alliance.

“That’s why their bank accounts are being investigated at the request of the intelligence agencies,” a central bank official, who declined to be identified, told bdnews24.com.