Fugitive receives remittance award from Bangladesh Bank

Shahjahan Bablu, a fugitive businessman accused of embezzling Tk400 crore, has received the remittance award from the Bangladesh Bank. 

Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Monday handed the remittance awards to the awardees, but Shahjahan did not attend the event. Instead, a representative received the award on his behalf.

During an investigation, the Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of his involvement in an export scam.

Shahjahan had exported clay-made terracotta through his company SB Exim. Around Tk200 crore is yet to return to Bangladesh. Dilkusha branch of Bangladesh Commerce Bank later bought that export bill with Tk190 crore.

Earlier, the finance minister had taken a stand against Shahjahan, saying, "No matter who Shahjahan Bablu is, how powerful he is, wherever he lives, or even if he is a member of my family, he will be brought to justice. We will take action against him."

But Shahjahan still managed to secure the award. Shajahan has also received other awards by showing false documents. He has even received the National Fisheries Award 2014, from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

He also received International Bishuddhananda Peace Gold Medal in social work from the speaker of National Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury.

Mostofa Kamal, special superintendent of Crime Investigation Department (CID), said, "Shahjahan is accused of money laundering. Two people have been arrested in connection with this, but Shahjahan is absconding."

Those, who were arrested, are lower officials. A case is going on based on the information we have and provided by them.  

"Money laundering cases require a lot of information. That is why, we have sent letters to all parties asking for information," he added.
Shahjahan Bablu is currently residing in Dubai.