Awlad Hossain denied bail in foreign bribery case surrounding wife's death

A Queensland man charged with bribing foreign officials investigating his estranged wife's alleged murder in Bangladesh has been denied bail.

Awlad Hossain, 51, is accused of transferring $97,000 to Bangladeshi associates between 2024 and 2026 in a bid to have his name removed from a police investigation into the suspected murder of Rehana Parvin in 2024.

The ABC revealed last April that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) was also investigating the death of Ms Parvin, an Australian citizen and mother-of-five, whose body was found buried in the yard of Mr Hossain's sister's home in Bangladesh.

The ABC does not suggest that Mr Hossain had any involvement in Ms Parvin's death, only that Bangladeshi police have applied for an arrest warrant.

During a bail hearing on Friday, the Brisbane Magistrates Court heard both investigations in Australia and Bangladesh remain ongoing.

Commonwealth prosecutors opposed Mr Hossain's release, arguing he posed a risk of failing to appear in court, interfering with witnesses and committing further offences.

They told the hearing the alleged bribery offence occurred while Mr Hossain was already on bail for separate fraud charges.

'Prepared to give anything'

The court also heard he had allegedly enquired previously about leaving Australia without a passport.

Prosecutors further alleged Mr Hossain had expressed he was "prepared to give anything" to convince Bangladeshi officials to drop the case against him.

Mr Hossain's lawyer, Torik Dib, challenged the strength of the prosecution's argument, pointing to the absence of a police complainant in Bangladesh alleging an attempted bribe.

He also questioned the evidence surrounding the money transfers, noting that some had been made by a third party,

"It's not as clear-cut," he told the court.

He urged the magistrate to consider his client's family circumstances, including his responsibility to care for an 18-year-old nephew who had no other relatives in Australia.

'Unique' case

Acting magistrate Timothy Hishon acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, describing it as "unique", but ultimately found the risks of releasing Mr Hossain from custody were too great.

"It's clear to me that … there's no conditions that would ameliorate the risk of further offending and failing to appear and as such, bail is refused," he said.

Speaking outside court, Mr Dib said his client contests the bribery charge and denies any involvement in his estranged wife's death.

He confirmed he had been instructed to make a bail application on behalf of Mr Hossain in the Supreme Court, citing "anticipated delays" in the case.

"We'll be proceeding on that basis either later this year or early next year," he said.

The matter was adjourned and will return to court early next year.