Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit on Monday froze the bank accounts of Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former security adviser to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and his wife Shaheen Siddique.
The anti-money laundering intelligence sent a letter to all banks and non-bank financial institutions to comply with the instruction immediately.
Tarique Siddique, now facing arrest warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal, had effective control over the country’s armed forces and intelligence agencies and allegedly involved in some disappearance incidents.
He was considered one of the most influential members of Awami League government. His brother is married to Sheikh Hasina’s sister, Sheikh Rehana.
Sheikh Hasina as prime minister resigned on August 5 and fled to India amid student-led mass civil uprising.
The BFIU letter stated that any bank accounts operated in the name of these individuals or their companies are to have transactions suspended under the Anti-Money Laundering Act for 30 days.
Banks and financial institutions have been instructed to submit information regarding their bank accounts (account opening forms, KYC, and transaction details) and locker-related information to the BFIU within two business days.
On October 17, the ICT issued arrest warrants against 46 people including former PM and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina for committing crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.
