TDS Desk:

Controversial police officer Harun-or-Rashid, a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Bangladesh Police, has reportedly obtained US citizenship along with his family. He previously served as Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) and most recently as Additional Commissioner (Crime) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). According to an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation, Harun has amassed assets worth thousands of crores of money under his own name and through proxies.

Sources said Harun purchased a house worth 5 million US dollars in New Hyde Park, New York, under his wife’s name. He also invested in a company called American Dairy, where his wife serves as Managing Director. In Dhaka’s Uttara, several multi-storey houses, flats, and plots have been traced to Harun.

These include a luxurious six-storey house on Road 20, Sector 3 (Lake View Road), known as Park Lake View (Holding No. 30), used as a guest house. On the same road, he owns another eight-storey building, where his family lived on the fourth floor.

Additionally, on Road 7, Sector 3, a ten-storey market has been built on a 10-katha plot in his father-in-law’s name. On Road 21, Sonargaon Janapath, Sector 12, he owns a six-storey house, mortgaged for loans from Shahjalal Islami Bank. On Shah Makhdum Avenue, Sector 13, Plot 12 belongs to Harun, with Taj Food Court and several shops rented out.

Another plot at Holding No. 79, Sonargaon Janapath Road, is rented to a man named Judge Mia. At Holding No. 23, Road 15, Sector 3, he has a 14-storey commercial building. At Holding No. 49, Road 3, Sector 13, he owns a six-storey house. At Holding No. 1, Road 9, Sector 3, there is a seven-katha commercial plot. At Holding No. 39, Road 11, Sector 10, a five-katha plot is registered in his name. He also owns two adjacent 10-katha plots at Holdings 29 and 30, Road 6, Sector 5. One has been developed with tin-shed houses for rent, while the other serves as a warehouse. Plots 17 and 19, Road 20, Sector 14, have been leased to four companies as showrooms.

At Holding No. 4, Road 12, Sector 10, the fifth floor houses an office operated by Harun’s so-called uncle Jahangir, where documents relating to all his properties are reportedly stored.

Investigators said Harun conducted much of his illicit activity through Jahangir and his associate Zohir. He sold a 14-katha plot at No. 14, Road 9, Sector 3, to a man named Hiron for Tk32 crore. A seven-katha plot at No. 41, Rabindra Sarani, on the same road has been rented out for Tk14 lakh per month. Another five-katha plot beside Uttara Smriti Cable TV Ltd in Sector 11 has been leased to a company called Star Car Selection.

Harun also occupied a 20-katha plot adjacent to Banani graveyard and sold it to a company for Tk70 crore. In Tongi’s Sataish mouza, his company JH-Geotex Ltd began construction on eight bighas of land without approval. In Gushulia mouza, within the Chayakunjo-5 residential project, construction began on a hotel on 12 bighas of land.

Furthermore, Harun owns a luxury resort in Mithamain, Kishoreganj, called President Resort, managed by his brother Dr Shahriar. In Gazipur, he has stakes in Sabuj Pata Resort and another resort called Green Tech. He also holds shares in Nandan Park. In Trishal of Mymensingh, Harun jointly operates a fisheries and restaurant business with former MP Anis. To facilitate money laundering abroad, he reportedly established his own money exchange.

According to ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Aktarul Islam, cases have been filed against Harun-or-Rashid, his wife, and his brother. Investigations are ongoing, while assets linked to his so-called uncle Jahangir have also been seized.