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TL;DR
- Harun Or Rashid, a former Dhaka police official, is under investigation for amassing wealth through unethical means.
- He owns numerous properties in Dhaka and other areas, allegedly acquired through coercion.
- Harun is accused of money laundering, with funds reportedly transferred to the UAE and the US.
- The ACC and FBI are investigating, highlighting broader concerns about corruption in Bangladesh.
Harun Or Rashid, a former high-ranking official of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, is at the center of a significant corruption investigation following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into his alleged accumulation of wealth through unethical means, leveraging his influential position within the police force.
Investigations have revealed that Harun owns a substantial property portfolio, including 18 properties in Dhaka’s Uttara area alone, with additional holdings in Gazipur, Savar, and Teknaf. These properties are reportedly rented to a variety of foreign and domestic entities, including companies, hotels, and markets. The ACC’s findings indicate that many of these properties were acquired through coercive means, often seizing them from businessmen under duress.
In response to the investigation, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen the bank accounts of Harun and his wife, Shirin Akhter. Despite multiple attempts, Harun has not responded to inquiries regarding his property holdings.
Harun’s involvement in various businesses extends beyond real estate. He is linked to the Sabujpata Resort in Gazipur, recruitment and travel agencies in Dhaka’s Nikunja area, and Nandan Park in Savar. Additionally, he reportedly sold a 20-acre plot near Banani Cemetery for Tk70 crore after allegedly acquiring it through dubious means.
The ACC’s probe also uncovered allegations of money laundering. Harun is accused of transferring funds to the UAE via hundi, an informal money transfer system, with the assistance of an additional deputy commissioner of the Detective Branch. This official’s brother is believed to operate a money changer shop in Dhaka and a gold shop in Dubai, further complicating the investigation.
In a related development, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reportedly seized foreign currency equivalent to Tk1532 crore that was laundered to the United States under the name of Harun’s wife.
Harun’s controversial career in law enforcement has been marked by allegations of misconduct and abuse of power. He has faced criticism for his role in various incidents, including the illegal detention of protest leaders and the alleged extortion of business figures. Despite these controversies, Harun has maintained a significant presence in the police force, holding various influential positions over the years.
As the ACC continues its investigation, the case against Harun highlights broader concerns about corruption within Bangladesh’s political and law enforcement systems. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust in government institutions.
Source: TBS
