Serious allegations of overseas money laundering have been raised against Md. Shawkat Ali Chowdhury, a controversial ship-breaking businessman and Chairman of Eastern Bank PLC (EBL).
According to the allegations, approximately USD 25 million was transferred from the United Kingdom to bank accounts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, through the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The funds were reportedly routed to accounts held with Mashreq Bank and Emirates NBD.Intelligence sources claim that the relevant authorities in the United Kingdom recently informed the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) about the matter through an official communication. A source within a law enforcement intelligence agency reportedly confirmed the development.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that an influential group within the NBR is attempting to suppress the complaint and related correspondence. It is further alleged that efforts involving financial transactions exceeding BDT 100 crore are being made to influence the handling of the case. However, no official statement has been issued by the authorities regarding these claims.Separately, several influential political figures associated with the BNP in Chattogram have also been accused of attempting to exert influence in order to reach a settlement over the matter. No response from the individuals concerned was available at the time of reporting.
In another development, a vessel imported by SN Corporation, a company owned by Shawkat Ali Chowdhury, has reportedly been subjected to sanctions by the United States. The vessel is currently anchored in the outer anchorage area of Chattogram Port. The reasons behind the sanctions and any official comments from the relevant authorities have not yet been disclosed.It should be noted that the allegations mentioned in this report remain unverified. Responses from Md. Shawkat Ali Chowdhury, Eastern Bank PLC, SN Corporation, and the relevant government agencies were not available at the time of publication. Their statements, if received, will be incorporated in subsequent reports.
