Bangladesh NBR freezes 100 accounts over garment sector unrest

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed banks and financial institutions to freeze the accounts of approximately 100 individuals suspected of financing activities intended to instigate unrest in the readymade garment (RMG) sector. Additionally, the revenue authority has requested detailed transaction records for 125 companies as part of an ongoing investigation.

According to NBR sources, the individuals on the list include former ministers, lawmakers, and influential businesspeople, many of whom are reportedly linked to the ousted Awami League government. Notable names mentioned include Salman F Rahman, Shahriar Alam, and former BGMEA president SM Mannan Kochi, as well as family members of these individuals.

Investigators have reportedly identified financial transactions conducted through mobile financial services and cryptocurrencies. The NBR stated that the decision to freeze these accounts was based on information provided by several government agencies. The investigation is ongoing, and officials indicated the list of individuals could expand.