Watchdog asked to dispose of representation in 30 days


FE REPORT | Published: November 10, 2021 08:34:02 | Updated: November 10, 2021 17:15:53


Watchdog asked to dispose of representation in 30 days

The High Court has directed two watchdog bodies to dispose of a representation made by an investor seeking an inquiry into corruption and money-laundering allegations against IDRA chairman Dr M Mosharraf Hossain.

There are also allegations of abusing power, misrepresentation and breach of trust against the chairman of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA).

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) have also been asked to inform the court within 30 days about their steps taken in this regard.

The High Court bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order on Tuesday, after hearing a writ petition filed challenging the inaction of the state bodies in disposing of the representation.

The court also issued a ruling asking the respondents to explain in four weeks as to why their inaction or failure to investigate the allegations of irregularities shall not be declared illegal.

It also wanted to know from the respondents to explain as to why they should not be directed to take appropriate steps for lodging FIR against Dr M Mosharraf Hossain and his wife Jannatul Mowa for money laundering, producing false statements and breaching of trust.

The finance secretary, ACC, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), BFIU and the Director General of Labour have been asked to comply with the ruling.

Abu Saleh Mohammad Amin Mehedi, an investor of the stock market, filed the writ petition last week as the public interest litigation.

Earlier on September 30, the same High Court bench following another writ petition issued a ruling upon the respondents to explain in four weeks as to why the appointment of Dr M Mosharraf Hossain, FCA, as the IDRA chairman should not be declared illegal, as it violated the Section 7(b) of the IDRA Act, 2010.

In the ruling the HC also wanted to know as to why the inaction of the respondents in removing Mosharraf Hossain from the post of chairman of the IDRA according to the Sections 14(1)© and 14(2) of the IDRA Act, 2010 should not be declared illegal.

It also issues a show cause upon the respondents to explain on what authority Mosharraf Hossain is still holding the post of IDRA chairman.

The Finance Division Secretary and other respondents have been asked to comply with the ruling.

Barrister Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Barrister Karishma Jahan appeared in the court on behalf of the writ petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Bepul Bagmar represented the state.

bikashju@gmail.com

Share if you like