Travel ban, NID block imposed on ex-deputy speaker Tuku, sons

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban and ordered the blocking of national ID (NID) cards of former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Md Shamsul Hoque Tuku and his two sons, SM Asif Shams and SM Nafiz Shams, amid an ongoing Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) inquiry into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation.

The order was issued on Tuesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Zakir Hossain Galib following a petition by ACC Deputy Director Md. Al Amin. 

ACC spokesperson Akhterul Islam confirmed the development.

According to ACC, Tuku, currently detained in another case, is accused of using political influence to amass significant movable and immovable assets.

Investigators fear he may attempt to flee the country if released on bail, potentially hampering the investigation.

The ACC also cited credible sources indicating attempts by the accused to transfer their assets, which could undermine potential legal action, including asset seizure by the state. Since key financial and legal transactions in Bangladesh require a valid NID, blocking their NIDs would restrict such activities and help preserve evidence.

Tuku, a former state minister for home and power, was elected MP for Pabna-1 in 2009, 2014 and 2018 as an Awami League candidate and served as Deputy Speaker in 11th National Parliament. 

MAL/SH