'My address is in Dhaka, I will remain here': Ex-Dhaka North admin Azaz dismisses rumours of going abroad

Former administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Mohammad Azaz, said he has no plans to leave the country amid circulating rumours, stating that he will continue to live and work in Dhaka.

Azaz, on his verified Facebook profile today (15 February), said, "There are many rumours about people leaving the country. For those interested in my case, I want to say: my address is in Dhaka. I am here, will remain here, and will continue to work for the country. Best wishes to all."

He was appointed DNCC administrator on a full-time basis in February last year for a one-year term. His contract was not renewed at the end of his tenure this year.

Azaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Centre, has recently faced controversy over various allegations and is currently under investigation for corruption.

On 1 February, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on him following allegations of widespread corruption, bribery and abuse of power. 

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a probe is underway into a series of alleged irregularities linked to his tenure.

These include the controversial lease of the Gabtoli cattle market, implementation of an e-rickshaw project, and the alleged occupation of Borak Tower, where Hotel Sheraton Dhaka is located.

He also faces allegations over 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, the management of the city corporation's van service, and the allocation of stalls on footpaths.

The court was informed that the ACC had previously summoned Azaz to its Segunbagicha office on 29 January to record his statement, but he did not appear.