Dhaka, Nov. 5 -- As garment workers press for a Tk 30,000 minimum monthly wage, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched a sweeping inquiry into 125 companies, seeking to freeze more than 100 people's bank accounts.

The NBR's Central Intelligence Cell and Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit sent letters to banks and non-bank financial institutions on Wednesday, seeking immediate account suspensions and details of balances.

Most companies are owned by people linked to the banned Awami League, officials said.

Many individuals under scrutiny are former lawmakers, ministers and businesspeople associated with the ousted government. Some are in jail, others in hiding or abroad.

Officials said investigators were examining ...