A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to Local Government and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.
Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain of the Dhaka Metropolitan Court on Saturday also ordered the blocking of his National Identity Card (NID) as part of an ongoing anti-corruption investigation.
The order followed a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) which alleges that Moazzem illegally accumulated wealth worth hundreds of crores of taka through abuse of power and manipulation of government tenders during his tenure.
A senior ACC official confirmed that Moazzem was interrogated at ACC headquarters last Thursday. Due to the gravity of the allegations and the risk of flight or evidence tampering, the commission requested restrictions on his travel and NID use.
Investigators are currently scrutinising his bank accounts, assets, and financial transactions. Formal charges will be filed if sufficient evidence is found, the ACC officials added.
Moazzem was appointed APS on 14 August 2024, shortly after Asif Bhuiyan took office as adviser to the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. A former University of Dhaka student leader, Asif played a key role in the July 2024 mass uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The uprising, triggered by allegations of electoral fraud, economic mismanagement, and authoritarianism, brought down the Awami League-led government. On 8 August 2024, an interim administration was formed under Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead political reform.
Moazzem was dismissed from his post on 21 April 2025. A revised government notice later clarified that his removal followed a resignation request. Allegations of misconduct surfaced both before and after his departure, prompting growing public and media concern.
In response, Asif issued a statement via his verified Facebook page, stating that he had personally requested the ACC to investigate the matter and had directed full co-operation from all relevant ministries.
“If anyone is involved in corruption—regardless of position—they will face legal consequences,” he wrote. “This is a core principle of post-uprising Bangladesh. Institutional neutrality and professionalism are crucial to building an accountable nation.”
Asif also dismissed attempts to link him to the controversy, calling them politically motivated. “I value truth and moral courage, which is why I sought an impartial inquiry. I trust the ACC will uncover the truth and act with integrity. Our goal is to set an example of transparency and good governance.”
