Seizure of Dipu Moni鈥檚 accounts also ordered
A Khulna court has ordered the freezing of five bank accounts belonging to former land minister Narayon Chandra Chanda and his wife Usha Rani Chanda.
Judge Md Sharif Hossain Haider of Khulna metropolitan senior special judge鈥檚 court passed the order on Thursday following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission, United News of Bangladesh reported.
Court and relevant sources said that the ACC had launched an inquiry into allegations, including bribery in recruitment processes, illegal land occupation, and misappropriation of public funds from government development projects against the former minister.
The illegally acquired wealth was allegedly deposited in various bank accounts, fixed deposits, and savings certificates under both his and his wife鈥檚 names.
Based on preliminary investigation, the ACC, led by deputy director Md Abdul Wadud, submitted a petition to a court to freeze the couple鈥檚 financial assets.
Meanwhile, a Dhaka court on the same day ordered to seize 16 bank accounts containing Tk 2.39 crore of former social welfare minister Dipu Moni over graft allegations, reported Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
Of the 16 accounts, 15 were opened with Bank Asia and the remaining one with Dhaka Bank.
Dhaka metropolitan senior special judge Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order, allowing a plea of the ACC. Assistant director SM Rashedul Hasan of the ACC filed the plea before the court.
The ACC in its plea said that the former minister was trying to hand over and relocate her movable properties to hinder investigation against her. So far, Tk 31.09 crore was deposited in her bank accounts, while Tk 28.70 crore was withdrawn.
Dipu Moni was arrested from the city鈥檚 Baridhara area on August 19 and she is now behind the bars.