‘Tutul-Azad’ Dispute in New York, Counter-Accusations Over Outstanding Payments
On May 10, 2023, Asif Bari Tutul, Governor of the Lions Club and CEO of Bari Home Care, held a press conference accusing Mohammad Azad, CEO of Liberty Renovations, of fraud. More than two years later, Azad held a counter-press conference to make claims against Tutul regarding unpaid dues. On September 14, at Queens Palace, Azad demanded payment from Tutul for the outstanding amount. His wife, Roksana Mirza, was present and appeared emotional as she stood by her husband’s side. However, it is reported that they were not yet married at the time of the 2023 incident.
During the press conference, Azad stated, “I have worked for many people in New York. It is impossible to satisfy everyone. A handful of people may be upset with me. I work and receive payment for my work. There is nothing shameful about that; shame lies in theft. My biggest work was done for Asif Bari Tutul. Out of $935,000, he still owes me $650,000. On the contrary, he filed a fraud case against me, which is completely baseless and motivated. Tutul’s lawsuit was only intended to damage my reputation.”
Azad also mentioned that he had planned to file a counter-lawsuit but was unable to proceed for various reasons. Reports indicate that due to his disorganized statements, he did not receive support from the community. At the press conference, his lengthy and off-topic speech visibly irritated the attending journalists. The conference banner initially displayed Tutul’s photo, but it was hastily covered with paper just before the event, drawing mixed reactions. Azad later expressed regret over this incident.
Responding to the allegations, Asif Bari Tutul said, “I actually received $550,000 from him. I have submitted bank documents as proof. The case is still ongoing. He does not attend hearings and delays proceedings with various excuses.”
Regarding Azad’s claims of unpaid dues, Tutul added, “I have no knowledge of any such lawsuit. If he had filed a case against me, the court would have issued me a notice, which I have not received.”
Earlier, during the 2023 press conference, other individuals, including Shah Nawaz, CEO of Golden Age Home Care, Dr. Masudur Rahman, and Lokman Shipon, also accused Azad of fraud. Tutul filed a case, which remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the case filed by Lokman Shipon has already been ruled in his favor. The court has directed that if Azad fails to pay within the specified time, he may face imprisonment. Allegations also suggest that Azad received money from a Connecticut-based business called “Apna Bazar.”
