A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants for former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman and 25 others in connection with the embezzlement of Tk531 crore from Janata Bank. The funds were allegedly misappropriated under the guise of loans to the AnonTex Group.
Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md. Sabbir Faiz passed the order on January 15, after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted its formal charge sheet.
Confirming the development today (January 20), ACC Public Prosecutor Mohammad Tarikul Islam stated that of the 26 accused, former Janata Bank Chairman Dr. Abul Barkat is already in custody. "Five other accused had previously secured bail from the High Court but subsequently went into hiding," Islam added, explaining the court's decision to issue the new warrants.
The case, originally filed in February 2025, centers on allegations that senior bank officials and directors conspired with the AnonTex Group to bypass central bank regulations. Investigators found that the group used forged documents and inflated land valuations to secure massive loans. Including accrued interest, the total financial loss to the state-owned Janata Bank is estimated to exceed Tk1,130 crore.
Among those named in the charge sheet are former high-ranking officials from both Bangladesh Bank and Janata Bank, as well as the Managing Director of Suprov Spinning Ltd. and the Chairman of AnonTex Group.
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