'1/11' figure Lt Gen (retd) Masud now arrested in Tk119cr embezzlement case
The case has been filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
A Dhaka court today (18 May) showed retired lieutenant general Masud Uddin Chowdhury -- a controversial figure from the "1/11" political episode and a former member of parliament -- arrested in a new case filed over the embezzlement of Tk119.32 crore through a Malaysian recruitment scam.
Dhaka Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order following a petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), confirmed ACC prosecutor Delwar Jahan Rumi.
The investigation officer of the case, ACC Assistant Director Md Abul Kalam Azad, had filed the petition on 25 March seeking to show the former Feni-3 lawmaker arrested, prompting the court to schedule today's hearing in the presence of the accused.
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According to the ACC application, Masud Uddin abused his official power as a public servant and committed a criminal breach of trust with malicious intent by colluding with others to set up a recruitment monopoly.
Using his political influence as a ruling-party lawmaker, he allegedly operated as a recruiting agent and extorted exorbitant fees well beyond the government-fixed rate of Tk78,990 per worker.
The anti-graft body alleged that Masud Uddin and his associates exploited 7,124 prospective migrant workers at various stages of the recruitment process, collecting excess payments under the guise of passport processing, mandatory medical tests, and related logistical services.
The accused allegedly amassed a total of Tk119,32,70,000 in illicit premiums, which was subsequently laundered through concealment, transfer, and conversion.
The case has been filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
In its prayer, the anti-graft commission argued that showing Masud Uddin arrested in this case was vital for a fair probe, asserting that he might obstruct the investigation if released on bail.
Masud Uddin was initially rounded up by law enforcement agencies from his residence in Dhaka's Baridhara DOHS area on 23 March.
The following day, a Dhaka court placed him on a five-day remand in connection with a separate case filed with Paltan Police Station involving allegations of syndicate-based human trafficking and financial embezzlement.
Lieutenant General (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury has remained in custody since then.
