Court bans overseas travel of DNCC administrator Azaz

A court has imposed a travel ban on Mohammad Azaz, administrator of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption.

The order was issued on Sunday afternoon by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faez, following an application filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The ACC sought the travel restriction in a petition submitted by its assistant director, Md Ashiqur Rahman, citing the continuation of the probe against Azaz.

According to the ACC petition, Azaz is under investigation over abuse of power, irregularities, corruption and bribery in several DNCC-related matters.

According to the ACC application, the allegations include irregularities in leasing the Mirpur–Gabtoli cattle market, the e-rickshaw project and taking control of Borak Tower or Hotel Sheraton.

The allegations further relate to the allocation of shops at Banani kitchen market, construction and allocation of shops in the parking area of Khilgaon Taltola Super Market, the city corporation’s van service and allocation of shops on footpaths, among other matters involving the corporation’s interests.

The ACC said Azaz was served a notice to appear for a hearing and record his statement, but he did not comply.

"Reliable sources indicate that Azaz may leave the country and abscond abroad. In the interest of a proper inquiry into the allegations, it is necessary to prevent his foreign travel," added the ACC petition.

The ACC launched a preliminary probe into the allegations on November 27 last year.

Azaz was appointed DNCC administrator for a one-year term by the interim government on February 12 last year when Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain was in charge of local government.