ACC, NBR launch probes into Salam Murshedy, family

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit (ITIIU) have launched separate investigations into former Awami League lawmaker and former Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy, his wife Sharmin Salam, and their children over allegations of corruption, illegal wealth accumulation, and tax evasion.

The ACC has sent letters to 78 state-owned banks and financial institutions seeking detailed information on the bank accounts of Murshedy, his wife, daughter Shehrin Salam, and son Ishmam Salam, officials confirmed.

The Financial Express has obtained a copy of the ACC letter, and ACC Information Officer Md Aktarul Islam confirmed its authenticity.

According to ACC sources, the letters were issued in the second week of August as part of an ongoing probe into allegations that Mr Murshedy amassed significant wealth through illegal means, including misappropriation of government land.

The investigation is being led by ACC Assistant Director Sajjad Hossain, who also signed the letters.

The ACC investigation initially focused on a 27-katha government property in Gulshan-2, allegedly seized through forged documents and misuse of power. Investigators claim Mr Murshedy took control of 15 kathas to build a residence, while the remaining 12 kathas were occupied by Iffat Haque and her husband, Mohammad Abdul Moeen.

While some Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) officials implicated in the land grab were previously named as accused, Mr Murshedy was excluded due to political influence. He has now been formally charged, along with other parties involved.

The ACC submitted a charge sheet to the Dhaka Metropolitan Special Judge Court on December 31, 2024, a senior ACC official confirmed. An ACC deputy director, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the probe has uncovered allegations beyond the Gulshan property case.

"Preliminary findings indicate that Mr Murshedy acquired multiple houses, apartments, and other properties in Dhaka and other locations under the names of his wife and children," the official said.

"There are also allegations of substantial undeclared wealth abroad in his wife's name, which will be brought under the scope of the investigation," he added.

Sonali Bank confirmed receiving the ACC's request. "We have instructed our relevant departments to collect and verify the required information. This process typically takes two to three weeks before submission," a top official said. TAX EVASION PROBE

In a separate development, the NBR's ITIIU froze Murshedy's bank accounts over allegations of tax evasion amounting to Tk 220 million.

Mohammad Abdur Rakib, commissioner of the ITIIU, the intelligence wing of the Income Tax Department, told reporters that Murshedy concealed information about multiple fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) and other assets.

"He admitted to some irregularities and paid Tk 30 million but delayed settling the remaining dues. This led us to freeze his bank accounts," Mr Rakib explained. The unit will also scrutinise the tax files of Murshedy's wife, Sharmin Salam, their two children, and his business entities as part of a broader investigation.

Mr Murshedy was arrested last October from Dhaka's Bashundhara residential area in connection with a 2022 case involving an attack and murder in Khulna's Phultala upazila. He previously served as president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and chaired BFF's finance and referees committees.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Mr Murshedy stepped down from his long-held role at the BFF. He now faces escalating legal challenges as corruption and tax evasion cases gain momentum.

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