Seeks travel ban on Asif Mahmud

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to seek a travel ban against former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan amid a widening inquiry into allegations of money laundering, illicit financial transactions, tender manipulation and irregularities in government appointments and development projects.

The Commission has also sought detailed information on the movable and immovable assets, bank accounts and alleged money laundering activities of Asif and his wife, Ayesha Akter Panna, both at home and abroad.

ACC sources said the investigation includes allegations that around Tk 11,000 crore was laundered abroad through Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland to acquire assets and invest in businesses. Complaints also refer to land purchases in Portugal, investments in Dubai, funds in Swiss banks and alleged shell companies established under assumed names.

The commission is seeking the travel restriction to prevent any possible obstruction to the investigation if Asif leaves the country.

Meanwhile, ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, in a letter, asked the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) for detailed information on the couple's financial activities. The letter also requested records of transactions involving the former adviser, his wife and associated individuals or entities.

All scheduled banks and non-banking financial institutions have been directed to provide details of bank accounts, transaction histories, loans, fixed deposits, DPS, savings certificates and other investments held in their names.

The BFIU has also been asked to take diplomatic measures to verify, through the financial intelligence units of Portugal, Australia, the UAE, Singapore and Switzerland, whether the couple holds assets, investments or bank accounts in those countries.