Court bars Asif Mahmud’s ex-APS Moazzem from leaving country, blocks his NID

A Dhaka court has banned Moazzem Hossain, the former assistant personal secretary (APS) to Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, from travelling abroad and ordered the blocking of his National Identity Card (NID).

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib passed the orders on Saturday following a plea from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said the agency’s spokesperson Akhtarul Islam.

ACC Deputy Director Minu Akter Sumi filed the petition, citing ongoing investigations into claims that Moazzem amassed illegal wealth worth hundreds of crores through irregularities and corruption, including abuse of power, lobbying, extortion, and tender manipulation.

“The accused may flee abroad to avoid the investigation. In the interest of a fair inquiry, a travel ban and NID block are necessary,” the plea read.

Asif joined the interim cabinet on Aug 8, 2024.

He is currently responsible for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.

After becoming an advisor, he chose Moazzem, his university friend, as his aide.

Allegations later surfaced that Moazzem “exploited his role to engage in lobbying and tender-related misconduct”, allegedly acquiring vast sums of wealth in the process.

He was dismissed from his role on Apr 21 amid the allegations.

On Apr 25, Asif told the media that he had personally requested the ACC to investigate the accusations against his former aide.

Two days later, on Apr 27, leaders and activists from the “Jubo Odhikar Parishad”, or Youth Rights Council, marched from the National Press Club to the ACC office under the banner of the "March to ACC" campaign.

They submitted a memorandum demanding probes into alleged corruption by advisors' aides and personal officers.

Moazzem was summoned to the ACC headquarters for questioning on Thursday.