Summary:
- Former NBR member Matiur Rahman and his wife Laila Kaniz were arrested in Dhaka over corruption allegations involving Tk 124 crore in illegal assets.
- The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) discovered extensive wealth, including land, apartments, resorts, and shares, far exceeding their known income sources.
- The couple is linked to the viral “goat scandal,” which sparked public outrage over the purchase of a Tk 15 lakh goat, raising questions about their financial dealings.
- Investigations revealed insider trading and misuse of power during Matiur’s tenure, leading to asset seizures and a travel ban on his family.
Former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Md Matiur Rahman and his wife, Laila Kaniz, a former Upazila Chairman, were arrested last night in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area by the Detective Branch (DB) of the police. The arrest comes amid multiple allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation, including their involvement in the infamous “goat scandal” that had previously drawn national attention.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner for Media and Public Relations, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, the couple faces several cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On January 6, 2025, the ACC lodged three new cases against Matiur Rahman, his first wife Laila Kaniz, and their children for allegedly amassing Tk 124 crore worth of illegal assets and concealing wealth information. However, authorities have not yet clarified which specific case prompted their arrest.
The ACC investigation into Matiur Rahman’s financial dealings began in June 2024 after a social media post related to a sacrificial goat priced at Tk 15 lakh went viral. The post, made by Mushfiqur Rahman Ifat—allegedly Matiur’s son—sparked public outrage and raised questions about the source of the funds. Although Matiur denied any familial ties to Ifat, the controversy led to intensified scrutiny of his wealth.
During its investigation, the ACC uncovered substantial evidence of unexplained wealth linked to Matiur and his family. This included 65 bighas of land, eight apartments, two resorts, three industrial enterprises, and significant holdings in bank accounts and stock market portfolios. On June 24, 2024, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on Matiur and his family members while ordering the seizure of their assets. By August 29, the family submitted detailed statements of their properties to the ACC.
Further revelations indicated that Matiur had engaged in insider trading during his tenure as an NBR official. He reportedly acquired placement shares in multiple companies—a practice prohibited for government employees—and used his position to gain financial advantages. Investigators identified at least Tk 101 crore worth of shares purchased by Matiur and his family across 15 publicly listed companies.
The “goat scandal” became emblematic of alleged misuse of power and wealth by public officials. It also reignited debates about corruption within government institutions. Following public backlash, Matiur was removed from his role as president of the Customs, Excise, and VAT Appellate Tribunal in June 2024 before applying for voluntary retirement.
Matiur has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing. In previous interviews with local media, he claimed that all his earnings were legally documented through investments in businesses and stock markets. However, ACC officials argue that his wealth far exceeds what could be justified by his known income sources.
The arrest marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Bangladesh’s public sector. The ACC has intensified its crackdown on illicit wealth accumulation among government officials as part of broader reforms initiated after widespread public demand for accountability.
As investigations continue, Matiur Rahman and Laila Kaniz remain in custody. Their case underscores the pressing need for stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power within government institutions.
