A Dhaka court yesterday issued a travel ban on 14 former Awami League ministers and lawmakers, including former Health Minister Zahid Malek, in connection with corruption allegations.
The other individuals facing the travel ban are former Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, former Food Minister Sadhon Chandra Majumder, former Industrial Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, former Industrial Deputy Minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, and former lawmakers Solim Uddin, Mamunur Rashid Kiron, Kujendra Lal Tripura, Kajim Uddin, Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton, Shahjahan Khan, Kamrul Islam, and Ziaur Rahman.
Judge Mohammed Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court of Dhaka issued the order after Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Abu Hena Ashiqur Rahman, who is leading the investigation, submitted a petition requesting the travel ban.
ACC Public Prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir presented the petition on behalf of the ACC, stating that the former ministers and lawmakers were attempting to flee the country. The travel ban is necessary to prevent them from leaving while the investigation is ongoing.
The ACC informed the court that it is investigating allegations that all of the accused amassed significant wealth through illegal means during their time in office.
The judge has ordered a copy of the order sheet to be sent to the Special Superintendent of Police (Immigration) of the Special Branch for further action.
