Matiur Rahman, a former member of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has become a focal point in the notorious goat scandal. This case has unveiled the massive wealth he and his family have accumulated over the years, leading to significant public and governmental scrutiny. The scandal not only highlights the extent of their riches but also the alleged methods used to amass and conceal these assets.
The goat scandal is a term that has come to symbolize the corruption and illicit wealth amassed by Matiur Rahman and his family. The incident involves intricate schemes to keep his income tax file ‘clean’ while transferring assets to the names of various relatives. This strategy was meticulously designed to evade detection and keep his illicit activities under wraps.
Matiur Rahman has shown a unique brand of philanthropy aimed at building personal wealth. To maintain a facade of legality, he transferred assets to his wives, children, brothers, and other relatives. One of the primary beneficiaries of this strategy is his son from his first marriage, Taufiqur Rahman Arnab. Despite being a student, Arnab has seen billions of rupees invested in his name.
Taufiqur Rahman Arnab, currently a director of eight business establishments, has over a hundred million rupees in assets. His income tax file, however, lists only BDT 270.00 million in assets, with an income of BDT 60.53 million for the last financial year. Despite this discrepancy, it is evident that Arnab’s wealth is significantly understated.
Arnab’s business ventures span various sectors. He has made significant investments in Shahjalal Equity Management Limited, Arnab Trading Limited, Virgo Communication Limited, IP Communication Limited, NRB Telecom Limited, Global Suj Limited, Lucky Builders Limited, and Wonder Park. These companies collectively account for investments of over BDT 115 million. In addition, Arnab has invested BDT 20.12 million in the capital market and provided loans worth BDT 90 million to various institutions.
One notable investment is in Wonder Park, where only BDT 1 million is officially recorded, yet the actual investment is close to BDT 100 million. As a significant owner of this park, Arnab’s stake is valued at approximately BDT 500 million. Similarly, Global Suj Limited, built on about 300 bighas of land in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, shows an investment of only BDT 1.65 million, whereas its true value runs into several hundred crore taka.
Motiur’s second wife, Shammi Akhtar Shivali, has also accumulated substantial wealth. Initially a housewife, Shammi transformed into a businesswoman in the financial year 1990-91, opening her first income tax file with an investment of BDT 2.28 million in trading business. The source of this initial investment remains undisclosed.
From 2013-14 onwards, Shammi’s assets grew exponentially. Her current wealth is estimated at about BDT 380.00 million, with cash holdings of approximately BDT 270.00 million. Her income tax file lists a total asset value of over BDT 370.76 million, including significant deposits and investments. Despite this, sources suggest her actual wealth is in the hundreds of million.
Shammi owns three wooden plots in Banrupa Abasi of Khilkhet area, six flats in Dhaka and Chittagong, including one flat in Madhubagh, one in Mirpur Senpara, two in Dhanmondi, and two in Chittagong. The total value of these flats is shown as BDT 40.78 million. However, the real value of these properties and her other assets far exceeds the official figures.
The anti-corruption authorities have indicated that Matiur Rahman’s strategy to distribute his wealth among family members to keep himself out of reach may not protect him for long. Analyzing the income tax files of Arnab and Shammi reveals discrepancies that suggest money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) noted that Matiur Rahman’s tactic of transferring assets to his relatives is a classic maneuver to evade legal scrutiny. However, tracking the source of wealth tied to his relatives can ultimately implicate Matiur himself, much like the case of former Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Papul, whose relatives’ wealth was traced back to him.
Currently, Matiur Rahman faces potential dismissal from his position due to prolonged absenteeism without leave. His attachment to the Internal Resources Department (IRD) of the Ministry of Finance since June 23 has seen no compliance from him. Not reporting to his assigned department and failing to submit any leave applications constitutes gross misconduct. Public Administration Expert and Former Additional Secretary Firoz Miah emphasized that such behavior warrants a departmental case, with possible outcomes ranging from reprimand to dismissal from service.
The scandal underscores the pervasive issue of corruption within the highest echelons of power. Matiur Rahman’s case is a stark reminder of how public officials can exploit their positions to amass wealth illicitly while attempting to mask their tracks through complex familial financial arrangements. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how justice will be served and what implications this case will have on the broader efforts to combat corruption in the public sector. The ACC’s findings and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in setting a precedent for accountability and transparency in governmental practices.
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