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February 10, 2026 – Bangladesh –
A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 18 bank accounts held by veteran journalist Shyamal Dutta and members of his family amid an ongoing legal dispute involving allegations of financial misconduct, according to multiple Bangladeshi media outlets. The action follows a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and marks a significant development in a high-profile case attracting public and press attention.
On 10 February 2026, a judge of the Dhaka Special Judge’s Court–5 approved the ACC’s request to freeze the accounts, which are held across multiple banks and include those in the names of Dutta’s wife and adult children. The court order was issued in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities linked to property transactions involving Dutta and his relatives. ACC officials have previously said the case is part of broader efforts to probe unexplained increases in wealth among public figures and to recover assets believed to have been acquired through improper means.
Shyamal Dutta, a senior media figure with decades of experience in newspaper and television journalism, has denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations as unfounded. In statements to reporters after the court order, Dutta said he and his family are cooperating with the authorities and stressed that the freezing of accounts complicates their ability to meet legal and personal expenses. He reiterated that the properties in question were acquired legally and that he will challenge the ACC’s claims in court.
The ACC’s petition and the subsequent court decision have become a topic of debate within journalistic and civil society circles, with some commentators expressing concern about the potential impact on press freedom and the professional reputation of journalists. Critics argue that high-profile legal actions against media personalities can have chilling effects on independent reporting, especially when linked to accusations of financial impropriety without public disclosure of evidence. ACC officials maintain that the case is a matter of law enforcement and is being pursued strictly on legal grounds, irrespective of the individual’s profession or public profile.
Legal experts noted that freezing bank accounts is a common investigative tool used by anti-corruption authorities to prevent dissipation of assets while a case is being developed. The accounts will remain inaccessible to Dutta and his family unless and until the court orders otherwise or the ACC’s charges are dropped. The case continues to be heard in Dhaka, and further hearings are expected in the coming weeks as both sides prepare legal arguments and evidence.
Reference –
https://www.observerbd.com/news/565530
https://www.daily-sun.com/bangladesh/856681/court-freezes-18-bank-accounts-of-shyamal-dutta-family
