The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought a statement of assets from economist Dr Abul Barkat, former chairman of Janata Bank PLC, after finding preliminary evidence of immovable and movable assets allegedly acquired beyond his known sources of income.

The ACC issued a notice requiring Barkat to submit details of his assets within 21 working days, according to senior officials of the anti-graft body on Sunday (September 20, 2026).

Under Section 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, the notice requires him to provide details of all movable and immovable properties, liabilities, sources of income and means of acquiring the assets held in his own name, as well as in the names of his spouse and dependants, including assets held under other names.

The ACC warned that failure to submit the statement within the stipulated period, or providing false or incorrect information, could lead to legal action under Section 26(2) of the law.

Barkat, a former chairman of Janata Bank, was arrested from Dhanmondi on July 11, 2025, in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 297 crore. Following remand, he was sent to jail and remains an accused in the case, according to the report.

He is also a charge-sheeted accused in a case involving an alleged embezzlement of around Tk 531 crore in the name of AnonTex Group. In October 2025, the ACC submitted a charge sheet against 26 people, including former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman and Abul Barkat, in the case.

The report also mentioned allegations of corruption and irregularities involving senior officials of Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar Ltd. The group’s loans were reportedly held with Sonali Bank before Janata Bank took over the loans in 2012. The group subsequently received additional loans, with allegations that around Tk 800 crore of its loans have become defaulted.