Dhaka: A court here today ordered the seizure of tax files belonging to former mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and his wife, Afrin Taposh. Judge Md Sabbir Faiz of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court issued the order, approving two separate requests made by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the petition against Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh alleges that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament and mayor, he misused his position to acquire assets valued at Taka 73.19 crore. The case also claims that his 27 bank accounts displayed suspicious activities involving Taka 539.16 crore and USD 517,527, indicating illicit funds deliberately transferred and laundered. The petition stated, "For the sake of a fair and thorough investigation, it is necessary to seize and examine all relevant documents, including the permanent and miscellaneous sections of Taposh's income tax records from the beginning to the present."
In a separate petition filed against Afrin Taposh, it is alleged that she and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh unlawfully acquired and possessed assets worth Taka 6.40 crore. The case further claims that nine bank accounts under Afrin Taposh's name have suspicious transactions amounting to Taka 70.89 crore and USD 395,963. An investigation officer has been appointed to examine the matter, with the petition arguing that for a proper investigation, it is vital to seize and scrutinize all relevant records, including the permanent and miscellaneous sections of Afrin Taposh's income tax files.