In response to a complaint about the fund given to Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) by world football's governing body FIFA, the Appellate Division has issued an order to maintain the status quo on the investigation against the BFF.
Earlier, the High Court had ordered an inquiry into allegations of corruption, money laundering and embezzlement involving funds provided to the BFF by FIFA and the Bangladesh government.
No opinion on BFF corruption, money laundering until probe ends: HC
Following the hearing, lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan confirmed that the chamber court has ordered to maintain the status quo until July 9 regarding the High Court's order to investigate allegations of corruption, money laundering, embezzlement, and fraud related to the funds given by FIFA.
However, the investigation into irregularities concerning the funds provided by the government will continue, as there are no legal obstacles to it.
In today's hearing, Chamber Judge Md. Abu Jafar Siddiqui issued the order. Additionally, the Appellate Division's regular bench has scheduled a hearing on July 9 for an application made by Abdus Salam Murshedy, the senior vice-president of BFF, who opposed the High Court's order.
HC orders ACC to probe graft allegations against BFF President Salahuddin, others
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer Syed Syedul Haque had filed a writ on May 15, seeking a preliminary hearing and investigation into allegations of irregularities. BFF President Kazi Salahuddin and senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy filed an application on June 22 to suspend this order.
The application was brought before the Appellate Division Chambers Court today, where Muhammad Saifullah Mamun, the lawyer representing the defendants, requested to remove Kazi Salahuddin's name from the petition, a request that the court granted.
Lawyer Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury appeared in court for Salam Murshedy, accompanied by lawyer Saeed Abdullah Al Mamun Khan. Advocate Murad Reza represented the writ petitioner, while advocate Khurshid Alam Khan represented the ACC in the hearing.
Writ petition filed seeking investigation into graft allegation against BFF president, others
Supreme Court lawyer Syed Syedul Haque had filed a writ in the High Court last May, urging an investigation into corruption allegations against BFF President Kazi Salahuddin, Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedi, and former General Secretary Abu Naeem Sohag.
The High Court issued an order on May 15, along with a rule, to inquire into the allegations and to determine why appropriate legal action had not been taken by the defendants.
The Youth and Sports Secretary, Bangladesh Bank Governor, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) chief, and National Revenue Board Chairman were directed to investigate the allegations of corruption, money laundering, embezzlement, and fraud in the funds provided to the Bangladesh Football Federation by FIFA and the government.
The inquiry report is expected to be submitted within four months, with the next order scheduled for August 27.