The Embassy stated in a confidential cable that they believe Tarique is responsible for serious political corruption that has negatively impacted US national interests, particularly in relation to democratic institutions and foreign assistance goals. However, they made it clear they did not want to impose similar restrictions on Tarique's wife, daughter, or mother, who is a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The cable provided a thorough explanation for their recommendation, citing Bangladesh's history of systemic corruption and the current government's efforts to combat it. Doubts about the Government's ability or willingness to hold corrupt leaders accountable are still prevalent. Concerns regarding corruption continue to erode trust, hindering private sector investments and diminishing public confidence in a democratic future. A cable referred to Tarique Rahman as the feared son of ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, highlighting his release on bail and departure to the UK for medical treatment in 2008. The cable portrayed Tarique as notorious for demanding bribes in government dealings and political appointments, symbolizing corrupt governance and violent politics in Bangladesh. Despite facing numerous corruption charges, he was released, further tarnishing the reputation of the former prime minister's son. Having strong political connections up to the highest level of the court system, Tarique successfully influenced the legal proceedings to secure his bail despite efforts by the Caretaker Government to prevent it. It is believed that Tarique possesses multiple passports, one of which was issued by the UK in September and another containing a five-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa issued in May 2005. Authorities suspect that one of his passports is being held by the government. Reports suggest that Tarique has amassed a significant amount of illicit wealth amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. He is facing multiple extortion charges based on the testimony of several well-known business owners he took advantage of. In one instance, Tarique allegedly threatened the owner of Al Amin Construction, Amin Ahmed, with shutting down his company unless he was paid 150,000 USD. Other business leaders such as Mohammad Aftab Uddin Khan of Reza Construction, Ltd, Mir Zahir Hossain of Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd., and Harun Ferdousi have also accused Tarique of engaging in a pattern of extortion involving millions of dollars. In addition to these charges, he is also facing allegations of hiding illegally obtained wealth and tax evasion. Tarique's corrupt activities extended beyond extorting local businesses. The ACC has found evidence of bribery involving both foreign and local firms and individuals. For example, in the case of Siemens, a witness claimed that Tarique received a bribe of around two percent on all deals in Bangladesh. The DOJ Asset Forfeiture and FBI are currently investigating this case. In another case involving the Harbin Company, it is reported that they paid $750,000 to Tarique to open a plant. Monem Construction also allegedly paid a bribe of $450,000 to Tarique to secure contracts. The ACC has evidence indicating that Tarique accepted a 210 million taka bribe to obstruct the prosecution of a murder case against Sanvir Sobhan, the son of the chairman of the Bashundura Group. Sanvir was accused of killing Humayun Kabir, a director at Bashundura Group. In addition to bribery and extortion, the ACC investigation revealed that Tarique was also involved in a complex embezzlement scheme that was highly profitable. With the assistance of multiple accomplices, Tarique managed to steal 20 million taka (300,000 USD) from the Zia Orphanage Trust fund. According to a source from the ACC, Tarique, who is one of the co-signers of the trust fund account, utilized the funds for purchasing land in his hometown. Additionally, he gave signed checks from the orphanage fund accounts to BNP party members for their 2006 election campaigns. Tarique's corrupt actions have had negative impacts on the US interests outlined in the Proclamation. His behavior has undermined public trust in the government and destabilized democratic institutions. Tarique's well-known disregard for the rule of law poses a direct threat to the objectives of US financial assistance aimed at reforming legal systems, promoting good governance, and preventing judicial misconduct. The culture of bribery, embezzlement, and corruption that Tarique has fostered in Bangladesh has negatively impacted US businesses and hindered political stability in the country. Additionally, his actions have impeded US efforts to establish a stable democratic government in the region, undermining key objectives. Tarique's corruption has also jeopardized specific goals of the US Mission in Bangladesh, including promoting democratization, development, and counterterrorism efforts. Tarique's extremely corrupt actions put all three at risk. His history of stealing money, forcing payments, and interfering in legal processes weakens the legal system and poses a threat to the US objective of a secure, democratic Bangladesh. The culture of dishonest business practices and request for bribes that Tarique promoted obstructed US attempts to stimulate economic growth by deterring necessary foreign investments and making it harder for US companies to operate internationally. Additionally, his blatant disrespect for the law has created fertile ground for terrorists to establish a presence in Bangladesh, as well as worsening poverty and undermining democratic institutions. In essence, much of the issues in Bangladesh can be attributed to Tarique and his associates. The cable concludes by suggesting that applying a 212(f) finding to Tarique Rahman aligns with the US's firm stance against corruption in Bangladesh. The Embassy advises that Tarique Rahman should be deemed subject to Presidential Proclamation 7750 for his involvement in public official corruption as outlined in Section 1, Paragraph (c) of the Proclamation. After six years, significant changes have occurred.