Travel ban imposed on DNCC Administrator Azaz

A Dhaka court has slapped a travel ban on Mohammad Azaz, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), who is under investigation over corruption allegations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz passed the order on Sunday following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Riaz Hossain, a bench assistant at the court, confirmed that ACC Assistant Director Ashikur Rahman filed the petition to restrict the official from going abroad.

The application has been submitted on the grounds that a probe is currently under way into Azaz’s alleged involvement in "abuse of power, irregularities, corruption, and the acceptance of bribes”.

The commission has received a range of specific complaints against the DNCC administrator. These include irregularities surrounding the lease of the Mirpur Gabtoli cattle market, the E-rickshaw project, and stakes in Borak Tower or Sheraton Dhaka.

The investigation also covers the allocation of shops at the Banani kitchen market and the construction of shops in the parking area of the Khilgaon Taltala Super Market.

The national anti-graft agency is looking into accusations about the city corporation’s van service, footpath shop allocations, and other matters tied to DNCC.

The application says Ezaz was served a notice to appear before the commission to record his statement on the allegations but failed to comply.

It also notes that credible information suggests the accused may attempt to leave the country, adding that restricting his foreign travel is necessary for “a fair and effective” investigation.