British MP inquires about action on probe into ex-minister Javed’s alleged corrupt assets

She calls for the return of these assets to benefit the people of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi-origin British MP Apsana Begum has sought information from the UK's anti-corruption agency on what actions have been taken to investigate and seize the ‘illegally acquired’ assets of former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed in the United Kingdom.

In a letter to Graeme Biggar, director general of the UK's National Crime Agency, or NCA, Afsana described these assets as belonging to Bangladesh and urged their return to benefit the country’s people.

She cited reports from the Financial Times and Al Jazeera, which document Javed’s substantial assets believed to have been amassed through corrupt practices.

Apsana wrote: “A review by the Financial Times of HM Land Registry and UK Companies House records found that the companies controlled by Javed acquired at least 280 properties worth over £150 million. In addition, an investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed that Javed owns 74 properties within my constituency of Poplar and Limehouse.”

“Corruption has had a damaging impact on living standards, workplace rights and democratic freedoms in Bangladesh for some time,” Apsana said.

She also highlighted the ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, in Bangladesh, which are looking into allegations of tax evasion and embezzlement against Javed, who is suspected of laundering millions of dollars to the UK.

The MP for Poplar and Limehouse said the ACC has sought international cooperation to recover Javed’s alleged illicit assets.

She urged the NCA to coordinate with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the swift investigation and repatriation of these assets.

“I believe these assets should be returned to the people of Bangladesh as they strive for democracy and a society that is run in their interests,” she wrote.

Apsana expressed her hope that the NCA would clarify the steps taken to investigate and seize Javed's assets in the UK, stressing that the action is vital not only for justice in Bangladesh but also for maintaining the UK’s integrity in the international arena.