ACC moves to show ex-general Masud arrested in Tk 119cr graft case

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has applied to show retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury arrested in a case involving the alleged embezzlement of Tk 119.32 crore from workers sent to Malaysia.

The petition was filed on Wednesday before Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court. 

Acting Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury set April 9 for a hearing in the presence of the accused, according to ACC Assistant Director Aminul Islam.

According to ACC, Masud and his associates conspired to abuse their authority by charging workers fees exceeding the government-approved amount of Tk 78,990 per person during the recruitment process. 

They allegedly used political influence to extract additional payments at various stages, misappropriating a total of Tk 119.32 crore from 7,124 workers.

The case, filed on March 11, includes charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and corruption. 

It also involves provisions under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

Masud was previously arrested from his residence in Baridhara DOHS in connection with a separate case involving alleged syndicate-based embezzlement and human trafficking. 

A Dhaka court had granted a five-day remand in that case.

MAL/SH