Summary:
- Munni Saha is under investigation for 134 crore taka in suspicious deposits linked to her accounts, with 120 crore withdrawn after political turmoil.
- The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit has frozen her accounts due to allegations of unauthorized transactions involving multiple banks.
- Legal challenges arise as Saha is implicated in a case related to the death of a student during protests, alongside former political figures and officials.
- Saha, a prominent journalist, has been released on bail following her detention amid ongoing investigations into her financial and legal affairs.
In recent developments, prominent Bangladeshi journalist Munni Saha has found herself embroiled in a complex web of financial and legal challenges. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has uncovered significant irregularities in her financial dealings, revealing deposits totaling 134 crore taka in accounts linked to her. This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of political upheaval and legal battles that have put Saha at the center of national attention.
The BFIU’s investigation highlighted that these substantial deposits were made outside of her known salary, raising suspicions about the nature of these transactions. Notably, 120 crore taka was withdrawn shortly after the resignation and subsequent departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following intense student-led protests against discrimination. The remaining balance in the frozen accounts stands at 14 crore taka. These transactions were conducted through 17 different banks, with One Bank being the most frequently used institution for these activities.
Further complicating the situation, Munni Saha’s bank accounts have been frozen due to allegations of unauthorized transactions. The BFIU has called for a thorough examination to determine whether any money laundering activities were involved. This scrutiny extends to accounts opened under the names of MS Promotions and Prime Traders, both linked to Saha’s husband and an associate, respectively. These accounts have been involved in questionable financial activities, including loans amounting to 51.5 crore taka that were repeatedly renewed without repayment.
In addition to financial investigations, Munni Saha faces legal challenges related to her alleged involvement in a high-profile case following the death of a student during protests in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area. The protests, which occurred in July and August, resulted in the tragic death of 17-year-old Nayeem Howlader. Saha is among several journalists named in this case, alongside former political leaders and law enforcement officials.
On November 30, Munni Saha was detained by police after being confronted by a mob outside her office in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar. She was later released on bail under Section 497 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, with conditions requiring her to appear in court for ongoing cases against her.
Munni Saha’s career spans several decades, beginning with her work at the Daily Ajker Kagoj and later at Ekushey TV and ATN Bangla. She has been a notable figure in covering significant national events, including the Shahbagh Movement. Her current role as editor of the online news portal ‘Ek Takar Khobor’ continues her influential presence in Bangladeshi media.
As investigations proceed, Munni Saha’s situation underscores the intricate intersection of media, politics, and finance in Bangladesh. The outcomes of these inquiries will likely have significant implications for her career and for broader discussions on media freedom and accountability in the country.
Source: Dhaka Post
