The NCA secured nine freezing orders preventing Ahmed Shayan Rahman and his cousin Ahmed Shahryar Rahman from selling high-end properties, including flats in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square. Both men are relatives of Salman F Rahman, a powerful figure in former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Salman was arrested last year while allegedly attempting to flee Bangladesh amid the student-led uprising that toppled Hasina’s government.

Official records show the frozen assets are owned through offshore firms registered in the British Virgin Islands, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Property values range from £1.2 million to £35.5 million. One of the properties is located in Gresham Gardens, north London, and was reportedly once occupied by Sheikh Rehana, Hasina’s sister and mother of former UK City Minister Tulip Siddiq.

This action follows increasing calls for the UK to support Bangladesh’s interim government in tracking illicit overseas assets tied to the former regime. A joint investigation by The Guardian and Transparency International last year revealed over £400 million in UK property owned by Hasina’s associates.

The NCA confirmed that the property orders were part of an ongoing civil investigation.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government has issued an arrest warrant for Tulip Siddiq, who recently stepped down from her ministerial role following mounting allegations. Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing.

A spokesperson for Ahmed Shayan Rahman said he “strongly denies any involvement in wrongdoing” and is prepared to cooperate fully with UK investigations. They also noted the political turmoil in Bangladesh, stating that “numerous allegations are being made against hundreds of individuals,” and urged UK authorities to consider the broader context.