UK seizes assets worth Tk 1,479 crore of Salman F Rahman's son-nephew

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has seized two luxury properties owned by Ahmed Shayan Fazlur Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's industrial and investment advisor and founder of Beximco Group Salman F Rahman, and his cousin Ahmed Shahriar Rahman.

The combined value of these two properties, located in London's Grosvenor Square and Gresham Gardens, is about 7.7 million pounds. In Bangladeshi currency, the value of which is about Tk 1,479 crore 38 lakh.

This information has come to light in reports by world-renowned media outlets Financial Times and The Guardian.

9 freezing orders: ban on sales
According to information from The Guardian, the NCA has issued a total of 9 freezing orders. Under these orders, Ahmed Shayan and Ahmed Shahriar will not be allowed to sell or transfer their properties.

Analysis of Companies House documents shows that the seized properties were purchased through offshore companies based in the British Virgin Islands, the Isle of Man and Jersey. The prices of these properties range from 1.2 million pounds to 35.5 million pounds.

Sheikh Rehana's old residence also seized
One of the seized properties is located in Gresham Gardens, north London, where Sheikh Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana once lived, according to the Financial Times.

The value of these two immovable properties is estimated at 7.7 million pounds.

Warrant against Tulip Siddique as well
As part of an anti-corruption campaign currently under the interim government in Bangladesh, an arrest warrant has also been issued against Tulip Siddique, a former UK city minister and Sheikh Hasina's niece.

Tulip Siddique has since stepped down as City Minister, but has denied the allegations against her.

Reaction and comments
While there was no direct comment from the two brothers involved, a spokesman for Ahmed Shayan Rahman told the Financial Times:

“Our client strongly denies that he is involved in any illegal activity. He will certainly cooperate with any UK investigation.”

They added:

“Hundreds of individuals are being targeted in the political turmoil in Bangladesh. We hope the UK will take these matters into account.”

International reaction
Duncan Hames, policy director at Transparency International UK, said:

“We encourage UK law enforcement agencies to seize these suspicious assets without delay.”

An NCA spokesperson confirmed:

“The freezing order has been issued as part of an ongoing civil investigation.”

Source: The Guardian, Financial Times