Jahangir Alam, the former peon of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who amassed a fortune worth Tk400 crore, equivalent to PKR 12.32 Billion, has fled to the United States amid widespread criticism.
According to his elder brother, Md Mir Hossain, Jahangir left for the US on Sunday night. Earlier, the central bank had ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Jahangir, his wife Kamrun Nahar, and their associated institutions.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed on Sunday that a household staff member had accumulated a fortune worth Tk400 crore, equivalent to PKR 12.32 Billion. Investigations revealed that Jahangir Alam, known as “Pani Jahangir” from Khilpara union, Noakhali, was the man in question. He served as president of the Khilpara Union Awami League of Chatkhil Upazila of Noakhali.
Jahangir owned a four-storey house in Naharkhil village, which now appears deserted, with all floors locked. Mir Hossain confirmed that Jahangir has two wives, one in Bangladesh and the other in the US. Jahangir left for the US to join his second wife and children.
Hossain expressed shock and shame over Jahangir’s sudden wealth, stating, “We have known for a long time that he has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina… I was ashamed and shocked to hear that he became the owner of Tk400 crore.”
Jahangir, who served Sheikh Hasina during her time in opposition and continued working for her when she became prime minister, earned the nickname “Pani Jahangir” for carrying drinking water for her at various events. Despite his modest position, he portrayed himself as the prime minister’s personal assistant, using this identity to engage in lucrative activities and amass significant wealth and properties in Noakhali and Dhaka.
Sources within the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the peon mentioned by the prime minister is Jahangir Alam, though she did not publicly name him.
