Court Orders Seizure of Sharif’s Flats and Land

The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge, Mr. Sabbir Foyez, has issued a court order to seize two under-construction flats and their associated land owned by Sharif Mahmud, the former public relations officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs who was recently dismissed from service. The order was granted following a petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Court bench assistant, Mr. M. Riaz Hossain, confirmed the details, stating that the ACC’s application highlighted concerns that the properties were at risk of being transferred or sold before the completion of a formal investigation.

According to the ACC, Sharif Mahmud, along with other associates, is constructing a ten-storey building in Senpara, Mirpur, under Parbatia Mauza in Dhaka. Two of the flats within this building, still under construction, along with the land on which they stand, have been identified for seizure.

The approximate market values of the properties, as presented in the court application, are as follows:

ACC Assistant Director Abul Kalam Azad filed the petition requesting the court’s intervention, emphasising that until the investigation concludes, these properties should not be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of in any manner. The order aims to preserve the assets and ensure the integrity of the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities.

The seizure order also reflects the ACC’s ongoing scrutiny of Sharif Mahmud’s activities and financial dealings. Sources indicate that the former officer is under investigation for amassing assets disproportionate to his lawful income. The court’s intervention prevents any potential manipulation or concealment of property during the course of legal proceedings.

This legal measure represents a broader effort by anti-corruption authorities to maintain accountability and transparency within government institutions. By temporarily securing high-value assets, the ACC intends to ensure that no evidence or financial resource is compromised, pending the final determination of the case.

Officials have noted that such steps are not only crucial for the current investigation but also serve as a deterrent against potential misconduct by other government officials. The ACC has emphasised that all recovered or secured properties will remain under judicial supervision until a complete audit and investigation are completed.

Sharif Mahmud’s case highlights the ongoing vigilance of Bangladesh’s anti-corruption authorities in monitoring public officials and ensuring that legal processes are strictly observed. Investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have committed to updating the public on any significant developments regarding the status of the seized flats and land.