Ex-Land Minister Javed, 35 Others Accused: 10 More Testify in UCBL Embezzlement Case

The Chittagong Divisional Special Judge's Court on Tuesday recorded the testimonies of 10 additional witnesses in a case involving the embezzlement of Tk 25 crore from United Commercial Bank (UCBL) and subsequent money laundering via hundi. With these latest depositions, a total of 11 witnesses have testified so far.

Presiding Judge Mizanur Rahman conducted the proceedings. According to ACC Public Prosecutor Mukarram Hossain, the case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) names 36 individuals, including former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed. Following Tuesday's cross-examinations, the court scheduled the next hearing for May 5.

The investigation, led by ACC Deputy Director Md. Mashiur Rahman, revealed that the embezzlement occurred between October 2019 and February 2020. The charge sheet, submitted on January 5, details how Farman Ullah Chowdhury—a protocol officer for the Aramit Group—was falsely presented as a business owner to secure a Tk 25 crore loan from UCBL.

Investigators found that the funds were withdrawn and smuggled abroad to acquire assets. The accused include Javed’s wife, Aramit Group employees, and several high-ranking former bank officials. While 31 suspects were initially named, the investigation added seven more. Two individuals have since died and were recommended for exclusion from the proceedings.

The prosecution has listed 92 witnesses in total to prove charges under the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.