Court bars Dhaka North Administrator Azaz from leaving country
Azaz faces accusations regarding the allocation of shops at the Banani kitchen market, the construction and distribution of shops in the parking area of the Khilgaon Taltola Super Market, mismanagement of the DNCC's van service, and several others
A Dhaka court today (1 February) imposed a travel ban on Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz following allegations of widespread corruption, bribery, and abuse of power.
The order was issued by Judge Md Sabbir Faiz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed an application to prevent the official from leaving the country to evade an ongoing inquiry.
The ACC's application, moved by Assistant Director Md Ashikur Rahman, stated that a probe is currently underway regarding a series of irregularities attributed to the administrator.
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These include the controversial lease of the Gabtoli cattle market, the implementation of the e-rickshaw project, and the alleged occupation of Borak Tower, also known as Hotel Sheraton.
Furthermore, Azaz faces accusations regarding the allocation of shops at the Banani kitchen market, the construction and distribution of shops in the parking area of the Khilgaon Taltola Super Market, mismanagement of the city corporation's van service, and the irregular allocation of stalls on footpaths.
The court was informed that the anti-graft body had previously summoned the administrator to its Segunbagicha office on 29 January to record his statement, but he failed to appear.
According to the commission, reliable information suggested that the accused might attempt to flee the country to avoid legal consequences.
The anti-graft body argued that restricting his movement was essential to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Mohammad Azaz was appointed as the DNCC administrator by the interim government for a one-year term.
The ACC officially launched its investigation into his administrative conduct on 30 November last year, led by a two-member team.
Despite the formal issuance of a notice on 21 January detailing the specific areas of questioning, the administrator has so far refrained from cooperating with the investigators.
