Australian Man Accused of Bribe Plot to Erase Link to Wife's Death Denies Involvement
First man charged under new foreign bribery laws denies any connection to estranged wife's death in Bangladesh.
An Australian man, Awlad Hossain, 51, has denied any involvement in his estranged wife's death overseas following his arrest and charge under new foreign bribery laws.
Hossain appeared briefly in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being arrested on Monday. He faces allegations of attempting to bribe officials in Bangladesh with over $90,000 to prevent any link between him and the death of his wife, Rehana Parvin.
Parvin, an Australian-Bangladeshi dual national, was found dead by Bangladeshi police in September 2024, a day after Australian Federal Police began investigating her disappearance, which had been reported to Queensland police.
Federal police allege Hossain sent multiple transfers totaling more than $90,000 over two years to individuals in Bangladesh. He reportedly instructed them to bribe officials to influence the investigation, including removing his name from police records. "There was some suggestion that part of the payments were intended for police," said federal police commander Stephen Jay. He also emphasized that the alleged attempts to influence the investigation were unsuccessful.
Hossain is the first person in Australia to be charged with foreign bribery of a public official for personal advantage under federal laws strengthened in 2024, according to Commander Jay.
Hossain's defense solicitor, Torik Dib, stated outside court that his client denies all charges and has not been contacted regarding any criminal proceedings related to his wife's death. Dib conveyed that Hossain is in a state of "shock and concern" and vehemently denies any involvement in his wife's death.
During the court appearance, Hossain's lawyer requested more time to obtain his client's letter of employment. Prosecutors raised concerns about a proposed bail address, noting that the individual residing there is allegedly part of the factual matrix of the offending, being Hossain's roommate.
Hossain was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear by videolink for his bail application on October 16.