In a recent development, the bank accounts of Awami League’s cultural affairs secretary and former parliamentarian, Asim Kumar Ukil, have been seized. This action also extends to the accounts of his wife, Apu Ukil, a former Member of Parliament from a reserved seat, and their children, Shayak Ukil and Shudd Ukil.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) of the Bangladesh Bank issued a directive to banks and financial institutions across the country, ordering the freezing of these accounts.
According to the letter from the BFIU, all financial transactions from these frozen accounts are to be halted immediately. The freeze will remain in place for 30 days, during which no transactions can be conducted. Additionally, the authorities have requested detailed information regarding the bank accounts of any companies owned by the Ukil family.
The move comes amidst a broader crackdown following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government during the student-led coup on August 5. Several high-ranking Awami League leaders have been arrested, and their bank accounts have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations. The freezing of Asim Kumar Ukil and his family’s accounts is part of this larger operation.
