Government 'traces' NASSA Group Chairman Nazrul’s vast assets in Dubai, Dhaka, Thakurgaon

Authorities order sale of assets to pay employees as they warn of legal action if deadlines are missed

The interim government has reportedly traced extensive properties of NASSA Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder in Dubai, Dhaka, and Thakurgaon.

Investigations have "uncovered" a palm garden and a resort in Dubai, plots and flats in the capital, and nearly 40 hectares of land in Thakurgaon linked to him.

A report detailing the assets registered in the names of Nazrul, his wife, son, and daughter was presented at a meeting of the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, according to a media statement.

The meeting primarily reviewed Bangladesh’s labour and business situation, with key attendees including Finanace Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Labour Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain, Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.

Advisor Sakhawat said, “If NASSA Group fails to pay workers’ salaries, legal action will be taken against the owner. Passports of the chairman, his wife, son, and daughter will be cancelled.”

The labour ministry has set a deadline of Sept 21 for Nazrul to provide power of attorney for selling assets to pay workers’ salaries.

According to the statement, it instructed that decisions on keeping businesses open or closed must also be communicated, warning of legal action against the owner and cancellation of passports if ignored.