As Bangladesh navigates political upheaval and an interim government struggles with economic and social challenges, a new front in the fight against corruption has emerged far beyond Dhaka — in the luxurious neighborhoods of London.
Recent investigations reveal that several influential figures closely linked to the former Sheikh Hasina government have been selling, transferring, or refinancing their extensive UK property holdings amid corruption probes back home. These properties include expensive townhouses, apartments, and mansions across affluent London areas such as Knightsbridge, Regents Park, and Mayfair.
In May, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) froze assets worth £90 million belonging to the family of Salman F Rahman, a prominent businessman and political figure. Weeks later, the NCA also seized over £170 million in assets linked to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, who reportedly owns more than 300 properties in the UK.
Transparency International and The Guardian have jointly reported that the interim Bangladeshi government has called on British authorities to freeze additional assets amid ongoing investigations.
Read More: Mahfuj Alam: The old twisted deal can’t be broken, it’ll only bend more
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has also urged the NCA to take stricter measures, noting a surge in property transactions by those under scrutiny.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur highlighted the urgency of freezing these assets to prevent their dissipation and facilitate their eventual repatriation.
Critics warn that without swift international cooperation, these illicit funds could vanish into the global financial system, making recovery nearly impossible.
The probe also raises questions about the role of UK-based legal and advisory firms assisting these transactions and calls for stricter regulatory oversight.
As Bangladesh’s interim government continues its efforts to dismantle entrenched corruption networks, the battle now extends into the heart of London’s real estate market.
