Travel ban imposed on Meghna Group Chairman Mostafa Kamal

A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on Mostafa Kamal, chairman of Meghna Group, following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib after ACC Deputy Director Md Monirul Islam submitted a formal plea seeking the restriction.

Confirming the development, ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam told the media that the petition was filed amid an ongoing inquiry into allegations of embezzlement of funds from various banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) accounts.

According to the petition, a seven-member investigation team has been formed to probe allegations against Saima Wazed Putul, chairperson of the Shuchona Foundation, and others.

The accusations include misuse of CSR funds through irregularities and corruption, with claims that Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the trustees of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), and other members of the Sheikh Hasina family were allegedly involved in advancing political agendas at the cost of public funds.

The ACC argued that credible reports are suggesting that Mostafa Kamal may attempt to flee the country with his family to avoid the investigation.

He is currently considered absconding, and his departure could seriously hamper the inquiry process. Hence, the commission requested a travel ban in the interest of a fair and uninterrupted investigation.