The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) has lodged a case against former shipping minister Shajahan Khan and his son, Ashibur Rahman Khan, accusing them of holding assets worth Tk9.89 crore that are disproportionate to their declared sources of income.
A Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge, Shahjahan Kabir, on Monday ordered that both individuals be shown arrested after the ACC filed an application on 7 September, presented by Assistant Director Mahathir Muhammad Samir.
While being escorted from the courtroom, Shajahan Khan told reporters, “You will see who speaks their mind,” and criticised the National Citizens Party for aligning with Jamaat‑Islami.
Defence counsel Mizanur Rahman Badsha challenged the arrest request, arguing that the allegations and the filing process did not follow proper legal procedures and that the asset valuations were inflated.
The ACC’s case statement notes that movable and immovable assets valued at Tk11.79 crore were found in Ashibur’s name, while legitimate income sources amounted to only Tk1.90 crore, indicating a discrepancy of Tk9.89 crore.
According to the investigation report, Shajahan Khan allegedly abused his position as a member of parliament and minister to facilitate the acquisition of these assets in his son’s name through dishonest means.
ACC Deputy Director Kamlesh Mondal filed the complaint on 2 February 2025. The court has scheduled a bail hearing for 15 October and set 25 November for the submission of the ACC’s investigation report.
The proceedings underscore Bangladesh’s ongoing anti‑corruption drive and the legal scrutiny faced by senior political figures.
Why it matters
The prosecution highlights alleged misuse of public office and large undisclosed assets, underscoring anti‑corruption efforts in Bangladesh.