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Published : 20 Oct 2025, 09:29 PM
The Anti-Corruption Commission has approved a chargesheet against former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat, former director Jamal Uddin Ahmed, and 23 others over alleged “embezzlement” of loans taken in the name of AnonTex Group.
On Monday, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain said the chargesheet will be submitted to the court soon.
On Feb 20, the ACC filed a case against 27 individuals for embezzling Tk 2.97 billion from Janata Bank. After further investigation, the misappropriated amount was found to be higher.
According to the charges, despite lacking eligibility, 22 AnonTex Group companies were granted loans on fraudulent documents under relaxed conditions.
A total of Tk 5.31 billion was embezzled, which with interest has now reached Tk 11.30 billion, it added.
The ACC alleges that the suspect never constructed any buildings, factories, or facilities on the mortgaged land. One plot valued at Tk 30.5 million was overvalued to Tk 6.09 billion before ownership transfer.
Other suspects include AnonTex Group Chairman Younus Badal, former central bank Deputy Governor Abu Hena Md Razee Hassan, former executive director Naushad Chowdhury.
The ACC first investigated AnonTex loan irregularities in 2022, but the matter was closed due to “insufficient evidence”. Following the July Uprising, the government resumed the probe.
Based on this investigation, a case was filed against Barkat and 22 others on Feb 20, 2025. Barkat was arrested on Jul 10, 2025, and remains in custody.
Atiur became Bangladesh Bank’s 10th governor on May 1, 2009, five months after the Awami League returned to power, for a four-year term. He was set for a second term ending Aug 2, 2016, but resigned in March amid criticism over “reserve misappropriation”.
Barkat served two five-year terms as Janata Bank chief, stepping down in Sep 2014. He had been appointed for three years on Sep 9, 2009, by the president of the Economic Association.
