Travel ban on DNCC administrator Azaz over graft probe

A Dhaka court on Sunday imposed a travel ban on Mohammad Azaz, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), as he is facing a corruption inquiry.

The order was passed by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court's judge Md Sabbir Fayez, following an application filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to court sources, ACC Assistant Director Ashikur Rahman submitted the petition seeking a ban on Azaz's foreign travel.

The application said Azaz was under investigation for alleged abuse of power, irregularities, corruption, and bribery.

The ACC said allegations involve several important DNCC-related sectors.

These include leasing of the Mirpur-Gabtoli cattle market, the e-rickshaw project, partnership issues related to Borak Tower and Hotel Sheraton, shop allocation at Banani kitchen market, construction and allocation of shops at the parking area of Khilgaon Taltola Super Market, operation of city corporation van services, allocation of footpath shops, and other activities linked to the interests of DNCC.

The ACC also said it had sent notices to Azaz to record his statement, but he did not appear within the scheduled time.

According to the ACC, reliable sources indicate that the accused may leave the country, which could hamper the investigation. Therefore, the travel ban was necessary to ensure a proper probe.

After considering the ACC's arguments, the court ordered a ban on Mohammad Azaz's foreign travel.

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