Court orders blocking of credit card debit functions of ex-mayor Taposh, wife

A Dhaka court on Monday ordered the blocking of debit functions of six credit cards held with Madhumati Bank PLC in the names of former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and his wife Afrin Taposh over corruption allegations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the orders following two separate petitions filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Md Ferdous Rahman.

According to the petitions, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh allegedly abused his power and acquired assets worth Tk73.19 crore through corrupt means, which are inconsistent with his known sources of income, and kept them in his possession.

It further alleged that, through 27 bank accounts in his name, suspicious transactions amounting to Tk539.16 crore and USD 517,527 were carried out, involving the transfer and conversion of illicit funds.

In a separate petition, it was stated that Afrin Taposh, in collusion with her husband, allegedly acquired assets worth Tk6.40 crore through illegal means and kept possession of them. It also alleged that, through nine bank accounts, suspicious transactions amounting to Tk70.89 crore and USD 395,963 were conducted, involving the transfer and conversion of illicit funds.

Cases have been filed against them over these allegations, and an investigating officer has also been appointed.

The petitions stated that blocking the debit functions of the credit cards in their names is essential to prevent the withdrawal of funds during the investigation.