A Dhaka court on Sunday approved a six-day remand for former lawmaker and Lieutenant General (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury in a human trafficking and extortion case, allowing police to gather fresh information crucial for the investigation.
Masud Uddin had previously been placed on a five-day remand.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam issued the order after police applied for a seven-day remand, citing the need for further questioning to complete the inquiry.
Md Raihanur Rahman, sub-inspector of the DMP’s intelligence unit, submitted the application.
Masud Uddin was produced before the court at 1.50pm. During the hearing, prosecution lawyer Omar Faruq Faruqi supported the remand, while defense lawyer Touhidul Islam Sojib petitioned for its cancellation.
After hearing both sides, the court approved six days of custody.
Police said while key information was obtained during Masud Uddin’s previous five-day remand, the full evidence required for the investigation has not yet been collected. Further questioning is essential to complete the inquiry.
The case alleges that a human trafficking syndicate, operating through a Paltan recruiting agency owned by Altab Khan, overcharged workers Tk1.50 lakh above government fees for overseas employment.
Between November 2022 and May 2024, 841 workers paid a total of Tk12.56 crore. Victims suffered an estimated total loss of around Tk32.56 crore due to fraud and coercion.
Investigators found inconsistencies in Masud Uddin’s statements regarding agency selection, FWCMS operations, the number of workers sent to Malaysia, returned workers’ records, and medical fee collections.
Police said the renewed remand is crucial to trace absconding suspects, recover embezzled funds, and verify work permit documents, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation.
