Australian Man Accused of Bribing Bangladeshi Officials in Wife's Death Probe

An Australian man has been charged with foreign bribery for allegedly attempting to influence the investigation into his estranged wife's death in Bangladesh.

Awlad Hossain, 51, is accused by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) of transferring more than $90,000 in multiple payments to associates in Bangladesh over two years, with some payments allegedly intended for public officials. The AFP alleges Hossain sought to have his name removed from Bangladeshi police records related to the death of his wife, Rehana Parvin.

Rehana Parvin, a dual Australian-Bangladeshi citizen and mother of five, was found buried in a village in Bangladesh in September 2024. Local authorities deemed her death suspicious. Her body was discovered next to a septic tank on her sister-in-law's property.

Hossain, who remains in custody, has not been charged in relation to his wife's death in either Bangladesh or Australia. Both countries are conducting separate investigations into the matter.

Australian authorities seized international funds transfer and bank records from financial institutions in Sydney and Brisbane as part of their investigation. Commander Stephen Jay of the AFP stated there is no evidence that the alleged payments were passed on to officials or that they influenced the investigation. He also noted that the AFP remains comfortable with the cooperation received from Bangladeshi authorities.

Hossain is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court and intends to contest the charge, with his lawyer citing evidentiary deficiencies in the prosecution's case.

The foreign bribery charge against Hossain is the first of its kind to be brought to court by the AFP. Commander Jay emphasized the AFP's commitment to holding accountable those who attempt to buy influence or interfere with the administration of justice, stating, "Anyone who attempts to buy influence or interfere with the administration of justice should expect to be held accountable."

Hossain was arrested in Ipswich on Tuesday following searches of properties in Goodna and Redbank Plains. An electronic device was seized during the arrest.

Both the Australian and Bangladeshi investigations into Rehana Parvin's death are ongoing.