Court orders freezing of 22 bank accounts of journalist Naem Nizam, family

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 22 bank accounts belonging to former editor of Bangladesh Pratidin Naem Nizam, his wife Farida Yasmin, and their son Mahir Abrar and daughter Nujhat Purnata. A total of Tk4.27 crore is currently held in these accounts.

The order was issued today (8 March) by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). 

Riaz Hossain, bench assistant of the concerned court, confirmed the matter.

Of the 22 frozen accounts, 11 are in the name of Naem Nizam, six in the name of Farida Yasmin, one in the name of Mahir Abrar, and two in the name of Nujhat Purnata. Two additional accounts belonging to Eye Media Limited and The Business Eye have also been frozen.

ACC Assistant Director Md Rakibul Hayat filed the petitions.

According to the petition, Nizam, Farida, their children, Mahir and Nujhat, and institutions owned by or associated with them were attempting to transfer, relocate, or embezzle their movable assets.

The petition said freezing the bank accounts of the accused and their associated institutions was necessary in the interest of a proper investigation into the allegations.

After hearing the petition, the court issued the order.