DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against former law minister Anisul Huq, his girlfriend Taufiqa Karim and four others on charges of extortion and illegal financial transactions amounting to Taka nearly 25 crore. The CID filed a regular case under Section 4(2) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended in 2015) with Bhatara Police Station today.  Special Superintendent of Police (Media), CID, Dhaka Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed the matter to BSS.  According to the CID’s Financial Crime Unit, Anisul Huq, Taufiqa Karim, Md. Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan (Jiban) and Md. Kamruzzaman formed an organized crime ring and systematically collected money through illegal means over a long period.  Investigators alleged that the group extorted around Taka 10 lakh every month from various individuals and institutions using accounts at the National Bank of Pakistan, Gulshan branch. The investigation revealed that Md. Kamruzzaman, who joined the National Bank of Pakistan as Managing Director in 2015, regularly transferred funds to Taufiqa Karim’s personal bank account under the guise of a legal consultancy agreement with her law firm- Sirajul Huq Associates.  Until his absconding on August 5, 2024, the group allegedly collected Taka 10.80 crore from the bank alone. Additionally, CID found that Taufiqa Karim’s personal accounts received about Taka 10.60 crore from various individuals and organizations. CID further stated that after Anisul Huq became law minister, his close aide Taufiqa Karim and Md. Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan appointed Jiban as his personal assistant (PS).  During this period, they formed an NGO named “Legal Assistance to Helpless Prisoners and Persons”. Taufiqa Karim served as its chairperson Md. Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan Jiban as secretary general, and Anisul Huq as treasurer. Investigators found that the NGO collected large amount of money as donations through accounts maintained at Sonali Bank PLC, Supreme Court Branch. From March 11, 2015, to June 30, 2024, a total of over Taka 24.53 crore was deposited into the NGO’s accounts. During the investigation, the Dhaka Metropolitan Special Judge Court ordered the freezing of the said amount (Taka over 24.53 crore) deposited in 26 bank accounts in the name of complainant Taufiqa Karim. The case is currently under investigation by the Financial Crime Unit of the CID. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the crime, identify additional suspects, and take further legal action. The CID reaffirmed its commitment to combating money laundering and financial crimes, stating that all individuals involved in such offenses will be brought to justice.

NAOGAON, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) – A Doa mahfil and discussion meeting was held in the district seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Sadar upazila non-government teachers-employees association organized the function at Mursula high school auditorium in the district town here on Saturday noon. BNP candidate of Naogaon-5 (Sadar) constituency Zahidul Islam Dholu spoke the discussion recalling her sacrifice for protecting the right of the people of the country and her political life. Begum Zia had struggled throughout her life for the democracy. She was a symbol of integrity, unity and strength, Dholu  said  adding that her contribution for the interest of the country as well as the nation will be remembered forever. Bangladesh teachers association presidium member Hafiz Master, non-government sadar upazila unit convener Harunur Rashid, member secretary Nazrul Islam, Chuk Enayet High School head master Saiful Islam, Chakproshad High School head master (in charge) Belal Uddin Pramanik, among others, attended the function. Later, a special munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of BNP founder Shahid President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, and good health and long life of BNP chairman Tarique Rahman.