Former MP Iqbal's office sealed, over 300 deeds, cheques seized

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has concluded a four-day raid at the office of former Awami League Member of Parliament and former Premier Bank Chairman H.B.M. Iqbal located in Iqbal Center, Banani. Following the operation, his chamber and a director's room were sealed, though the entire Iqbal Center was not locked down.

According to ACC sources, the raid led to the seizure of more than 300 property deeds belonging to Iqbal, between 500 and 600 checkbooks, seven electronic devices, FDR and fixed deposit documents, and nearly Tk 1.5 lakh in cash. The inventory list of the seized property deeds alone spans about 37 pages. The seven seized electronic devices include a MacBook, several mobile phones, a Nexus tab, and an iPad, some of which were reportedly used by Iqbal's sons, according to the ACC.

The raid was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering, corruption, fraud, forgery, and tax and customs evasion against Iqbal and his associated entities. Concurrently, the ACC has initiated interrogations of Premier Group Chief Executive Officer Mostafa Talukder, Chief Financial Officer Mizanur Rahman, and General Manager A.D.M. Nazmul Islam.

ACC data reveals that 16 cases have been filed so far regarding irregularities within the Premier Group, with reports recommending an additional five cases awaiting approval. However, due to vacant positions for the ACC chairman and two commissioners, those approvals remain pending and will be processed once a new commission is constituted.