After the Awami League government was ousted during the July uprising, the party’s Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim fled to India. Initially, he had hoped to return to Bangladesh within a couple of months. However, with the interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus becoming more stable, that hope faded. Forced to remain in India, Nasim has reportedly purchased a luxurious flat in Kolkata with laundered money from Bangladesh. In addition to the property, he is said to have invested in several businesses through acquaintances and well-wishers in Kolkata. These details have been gathered from multiple local sources.

Sources reveal that Nasim has bought a luxury flat in Sunflower Garden, located very close to the Topsia Science City Bypass in Kolkata. The flat is in Block 18C of the housing complex. It is reported that Nasim purchased the flat for around 13.5 million Indian rupees (approx. BDT 1.8 crore). With support from local government officials and political figures, he is also expanding his business ventures in India.

A high-ranking bureaucrat in Kolkata, who preferred to remain anonymous, agreed to introduce this reporter to his "Bangladeshi friend." Initially, the term "Bangladeshi friend" was met with skepticism, as in Kolkata, Bengali-speaking Muslims are often mistakenly assumed to be from Bangladesh. However, the official clarified, “You’ll hear the Bangladeshi accent in his speech—you’ll know immediately.”

The bureaucrat resides in Sunflower Garden, close to Science City. Nasim, his Bangladeshi friend, has reportedly been staying in the same housing complex since last year. Despite previous requests to arrange a meeting with Nasim, the official avoided it—until now. He acknowledged that several fugitive Awami League leaders have now settled in Kolkata and are investing in various local businesses.

At the main gate of Sunflower Garden, there were three to four security guards. The complex consists of around 25 to 30 blocks. The bureaucrat took the reporter to Nasim’s flat in Block 18C and rang the bell. A voice from inside said Nasim wasn’t home—he had gone to Park Circus. The reporter had to wait in the bureaucrat’s flat.

In conversation, the official revealed, “My friend’s name is Bahauddin Nasim. He’s a prominent leader of the Awami League and was once a Member of Parliament from Dhaka.” A quick Google search confirmed his identity. It became clear that Nasim is hiding in this upscale complex near the Bypass and is being supported by a government official.

Nasim’s Black Money Investments

The official went on to say that Nasim initially stayed at Kolkata’s Hyatt Hotel, hoping the political situation would normalize quickly and he could return to Dhaka. But as months passed and the “Yunus government” solidified its position, Nasim decided to settle. He then bought a 3BHK apartment for about 13.5 million rupees.

He added that Nasim has also entered the business arena, reportedly partnering with ruling-party-linked political figure Fayez Ahmed Khan in several ventures. Nasim has allegedly invested illicit funds in a real estate company called "Kalim Realty."

Local residents and multiple official sources confirmed that Nasim frequently travels around Park Circus, New Town, and Rajarhat in a Toyota. Based on his visible involvement in businesses and the bureaucrat's comments, it appears that local politicians and officials are actively supporting fugitive Awami League leaders.

Shortly after this conversation, the bureaucrat received a phone call. His unease was visible. Nasim had apparently realized that a journalist was being brought to meet him—and refused to meet in person, avoiding any direct encounter.