A Dhaka court has ordered to freeze assets worth of Tk 5.76 crore belonging to former Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Sitangshu Kumar Sur, his wife Suparna Sur Chowdhury, and their daughter Nandita Sur Chowdhury.
These assets include various bank accounts, fixed deposits, and savings certificates.
Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order following a petition from Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Nazmul Hossain on Thursday (February 20)
According to the petition, SK Sur is accused of acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income through irregularities, corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering.
A three-member investigation team has been formed to investigate the allegations against him.
The investigation revealed that Sitangshu Kumar Sur owns Tk 44.17 lakh in immovable assets and Tk 1.85 crore in movable assets, with a bank balance of Tk 15.23 lakh. His wife, Suparna Sur Chowdhury, owns immovable property worth Tk 1.25 crore and has a bank balance of Tk 84.29 lakh. Their daughter, Nandita Sur Chowdhury, owns immovable property worth Tk 8.64 lakh and a bank balance of Tk 1.14 crore.
The total assets amount to Tk 5.76 crore, which ACC suspects were acquired through corruption during SK Sur's tenure at Bangladesh Bank.
ACC argued that the properties are inconsistent with their known sources of income, raising reasonable suspicion of unlawful accumulation.
ACC also expressed concern that the accused might transfer or conceal the assets before a regular case is filed, which could hinder the investigation.
Therefore, ACC requested the court to freeze the assets under Rule 18(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Rules, 2007.
The court granted the request, ordering the freezing of all movable and immovable assets held by Sitangshu Kumar Sur, Suparna Sur Chowdhury, and Nandita Sur Chowdhury to ensure a fair investigation.
MAL/SH
