Graft Allegations: Travel ban on Asif Mahmud’s former APS Moazzem

A Dhaka court yesterday issued a travel ban on Md Moazzem Hossain, former assistant private secretary (APS) to LGRD and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain over corruption allegations.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court passed the order following an application from Anti-Corruption Commission Assistant Director Minu Akter Sumi.

According to the application, Moazzem allegedly amassed a large sum of money through extortion, tender manipulation, and irregularities in procurement and transfer-related activities.

"The ACC official came to know from a credible source that Moazzem was attempting to flee the country. If he flees, inquiry into the allegations brought against him might be hampered. So, an order is needed to prevent him from doing so," said the ACC in her application.

The court also directed the ACC to take steps to block Moazzem's national identity card and to send copies of the order to the Special Branch of police in Dhaka's Malibagh and EC Secretariat, Agargaon, for the next course of action.

On May 22, the ACC interrogated Moazzem over corruption allegations at the ACC headquarters.

On April 21, Moazzem was relieved of his duties as the APS to Asif Mahmud.

On April 25, Asif Mahmud told the media that he requested the ACC to investigate the allegations brought against his former aide.