Osman Hadi murder ‘mastermind’ ex-councillor Bappi’s passport suspended

A Dhaka court has ordered the suspension of the passport of former Dhaka city councillor and Juba League leader Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi over money laundering charges.

Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order on Thursday following a petition by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police.

Bappi, who was elected from Ward 6 of Dhaka North City Corporation, also allegedly masterminded the murder of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

CID Inspector Sohel Rana said in the plea they found evidence that Bappi was "involved in crimes related to money laundering of Tk 251 million through illegal brick kilns, forged documents, cheating and extortion."

The inspector told the court that Bappi was sued on Mar 5 and has remained a fugitive since.

“He may flee abroad at any time to avoid arrest. For the sake of a fair investigation into the case, it is necessary to order the suspension of his passport."

Additional Public Prosecutor Mustafa Sarwar Murad represented the state during the petition.

Other than Bappi, six to seven unidentified individuals are made suspects in the money laundering case.

On Dec 12, Hadi was shot in the capital’s Bijoynagar. A few days later, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he died on Dec 18.

The Detective Branch of police pressed charges against 17 people including Bappi on Jan 6.

After the plaintiff and the platform’s member secretary, Abdullah Al Jaber, moved a no-confidence petition, the court ordered the CID to launch an investigation anew.