NBR member flies abroad amid investigation, police clarify travel ban withdrawn

Amid an ongoing investigation regarding amassing wealth beyond known sources by National Board of Revenue (NBR) Member Mohammad Belal Hossain Chowdhury, the accused has flown abroad raising a lot of criticism on social media.

However, Bangladesh Police have clarified that he has travelled abroad after the court withdrew the ban on him travelling abroad.

In a post from the verified Facebook page of Bangladesh Police, it was stated that on 2 February this year, a court had imposed a travel ban on Chowdhury. However, on 9 September, the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court lifted that restriction and granted him permission to travel abroad. The Internal Resources Division also issued a government order (GO) authorising his official trip overseas.

The Police Headquarters further clarified that based on the court's order and the government notification, the Immigration Police duly processed Chowdhury's departure. Therefore, the claim that he traveled abroad despite a court ban is "false and misleading."

On 2 February, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on Mohammad Belal and his wife, Hosna Ferdous Sumi, over graft charges brought by the ACC. 

Dhaka Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the orders.

In its petition against Chowdhury and his wife, the ACC stated that it is investigating allegations of illegally amassing wealth worth hundreds of crores of taka by the former official and his family members.

Chowdhury, who previously served as commissioner of Benapole Customs House, is accused of acquiring vast properties both at home and abroad, particularly in Canada, with money allegedly obtained through corruption.

According to the ACC's plea, the former customs commissioner also has investments in various developer companies, real estate firms, and the share market.