Dhaka, July 11 (H.S.): The interim government in Bangladesh has arrested Prof. Abul Barkat, a close aide of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for embezzlement linked to the AnonTex Group, involving 2.97 billion Taka. Dhaka police took him into custody around 11:30 PM from Dhanmondi-2, as confirmed by Joint Commissioner Nasirul Islam. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against Barkat and 22 others on February 20 for allegedly providing illegal loans to 22 entities associated with AnonTex Group.

Barkat is accused of colluding with former Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman and others to distribute funds using forged documents, causing significant damage to public funds.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar