A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of two under-construction flats and the associated land registered under the name of Sharif Mahmud, the former Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who was recently dismissed from service.
The order was issued on Monday by the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge, Md. Sabbir Faiz, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Md. Riaz Hossain confirmed the development to the press.
According to the ACC petition, Sharif Mahmud, together with other parties, is constructing a ten-storey building in the Senpara Parbatta area of Mirpur, Dhaka. The two flats in question, along with the land on which they are being built, are reportedly being prepared for transfer or sale. The commission sought the court’s intervention to prevent any such transactions until a proper investigation is completed.
The estimated market values of the properties, as presented to the court, are as follows:
| Property Type | Location | Estimated Value (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Two under-construction flats | Senpara, Mirpur | 6,000,000 |
| Land associated with flats | Senpara, Mirpur | 1,579,458 |
The ACC, represented by Assistant Director Abul Kalam Azad, emphasised in the petition that without legal restraint, the properties might be illegally transferred or sold, potentially undermining the ongoing investigation. The court concurred, stating that the seizure of the assets is necessary to secure the evidence and prevent any illicit disposal.
Officials clarified that the seizure order will remain in effect until the conclusion of the investigation, at which point the court will decide on further legal actions. The directive is designed to ensure that the investigation proceeds smoothly and that no property associated with the case is illegally moved or sold during this period.
Legal experts note that such precautionary measures are increasingly common in cases involving alleged corruption among former government officials. By preventing potential misappropriation or transfer of assets, the order reinforces the principles of accountability and transparency within public service.
Sharif Mahmud is already under investigation by the ACC for alleged misuse of official privileges and other irregularities related to his tenure. The current court order forms part of broader measures by the commission to safeguard public resources and enforce legal compliance among former government employees.