A Dhaka court has begun the trial of former NBR member Mohammad Matiur Rahman, who drew attention after his son bought a goat for Tk15 lakh in 2024, in a case filed by the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC).
Dhaka Divisional Special Judge BM Tarikul Kabir has framed charges against him and set 14 September for recording witness testimony, ACC prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam said.
The charges were read out after Matiur was produced in court on Monday. When asked, he pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The court then indicted him and fixed the date for testimony.
Defense lawyers also sought bail, but ACC prosecutor Salam opposed. The court rejected the bail plea.
The ACC filed the case on 15 December 2024, accusing Matiur of acquiring Tk5.28 crore in illegal wealth and concealing Tk1.27 crore in assets. After investigation, the ACC approved a charge sheet against him on 3 February.
The charge sheet stated that Matiur submitted false and baseless information in his wealth statement, concealing Tk1.24 crore in assets.
It alleged that he abused his position as a government officer, taking bribes and engaging in corruption to acquire Tk5.40 crore in illegal wealth under his own and proxy names.
Charges were brought under various sections of the ACC Act.
Matiur became the subject of public criticism in 2024 after a Facebook post showed a goat worth Tk15 lakh from Sadiq Agro in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur for Eid sacrifice, which was linked to him.
On 14 January 2025, the Detective Branch of police arrested Matiur, and since then he has remained in jail.
