Ex-minister Dipu Moni shown arrested in graft case

Former Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni was formally shown arrested on Wednesday in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegedly acquiring illegal wealth.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, presided over by Acting Judge Ibrahim Miah, granted the ACC’s plea to show her arrested on Wednesday.

Appearing before the court under tight security, Dipu Moni expressed frustration over the charges. “The amount of wealth being shown is not mine. My total assets are around Tk 6 to 7 crore,” she told the judge. “I’m a regular taxpayer, and my returns include all asset details. I don’t even know about the 28 bank accounts they claim I have, I'm aware of only six.”

She added, “I have been in jail for the past 11 months and had only two brief meetings with my lawyer. Without access to the evidence, I cannot properly defend myself.”

Following the hearing, she was taken back to the court’s holding cell under police escort.

The ACC filed the case on February 11, accusing Dipu Moni of illegally amassing Tk 5.92 crore and conducting suspicious transactions worth Tk 59.79 crore across 28 bank accounts. Her husband, Barrister Taufiq Nawaz, was also accused of acquiring Tk 1.96 crore through alleged abuse of power and bribery.

Dr. Dipu Moni is Bangladesh’s first female foreign minister and a former education minister. She has served as the MP for Chandpur-3 since 2008 and most recently held the portfolio of Social Welfare Minister following the 12th national election. 

MAL/NSA