Former Air Force Chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan was arrested in Doha, Qatar, on October 15 in connection with ongoing corruption and money laundering investigations, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced on October 18. The ACC confirmed the arrest through Interpol via the National Central Bureau of the Bangladesh Police.
ACC Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan stated that efforts are underway to facilitate Hannan’s return to Bangladesh to face legal proceedings. Authorities have requested relevant information from the ACC, which is cooperating fully to provide the necessary data. Khan expressed hope that Hannan would be repatriated soon and brought to justice.
Sheikh Abdul Hannan is under investigation for multiple allegations, including abuse of power, embezzlement, bribery, irregularities in recruitment, and laundering money abroad. The ACC also cited suspicious acquisition of assets exceeding his known income, both in his name and that of family members.
The inquiry into Hannan’s conduct began in early 2025, with a three-member committee established on February 6 that year. The investigation uncovered that he had amassed assets worth approximately Tk 3.28 crore beyond his legitimate income sources. Additionally, it revealed suspicious financial transactions totaling Tk 14.08 crore across various bank accounts, which the ACC linked to money laundering activities.
Following these findings, the ACC filed a formal case against Hannan on July 27, 2025, through its Integrated District Office-1 in Dhaka, assigning Assistant Director Mahmudul Hasan to lead the investigation.
The ACC has also been investigating Hannan’s assets held abroad. On May 23, 2026, the commission sought information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit regarding his overseas holdings, including in Qatar and Canada. Further requests were sent to the National Central Bureau on June 21. Subsequently, with court approval, movable and immovable properties in the names of Hannan and his wife were frozen, and a receiver appointed to manage the assets. A travel ban remains in effect against Hannan as the investigation proceeds.
Sheikh Abdul Hannan joined the Bangladesh Air Force in 1984 and served as its 16th chief from June 12, 2021, until his retirement on June 11, 2024.
During the media briefing, Khan also addressed inquiries about efforts to repatriate other accused individuals living abroad, including former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. He indicated that the ACC is coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to facilitate their return and is providing necessary information to the authorities involved. Letters have been sent to officials in Qatar, Switzerland, and other countries based on evidence gathered during the probes. Regarding individuals residing in India, Khan said no update was available at the time but that comments would be provided later.