Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing to seek a formal travel ban against Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, a spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP) and former adviser to the interim government, amid fears that he may flee the country while facing widespread graft investigations.

Senior officials at the anti-graft watchdog confirmed that the preventative measure aims to ensure that ongoing inquiries into severe financial irregularities remain unhindered. Investigations reveal a broad spectrum of allegations against the high-profile politician, spanning illicit capital flight, administrative bribery, and public procurement fraud.

Most prominently, the agency is probing allegations that Asif Mahmud laundered 11,000 crore taka abroad. Investigators are scrutinising reported offshore transactions and acquisitions, including luxury properties and commercial investments across Dubai, Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland.

Alongside offshore capital flight, the ACC is examining claims of domestic corruption. These include the systemic taking of kickbacks for public appointments and staff transfers within government bodies, bribery tied to state contract bidding, and gross irregularities in major infrastructure projects during his tenure in the interim administration.

“Multiple allegations against Asif Mahmud are currently under active investigation,” a senior ACC official noted, explaining that any attempt by the suspect to leave the jurisdiction would severely compromise evidence gathering and witness testimony. The commission’s legal team is consequently drafting an official application to present to the relevant authorities, requesting an immediate freeze on his departure from Bangladesh.

Agency representatives stressed that the current procedures are exploratory, with investigators methodically verifying bank records, institutional documents, and testimonies from related individuals. However, given the massive sums involved and the risk of non-cooperation, statutory travel restrictions have been deemed an urgent priority to preserve accountability and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.