Court bars DNCC Administrator Azaz from travelling abroad

A Dhaka court today imposed a travel ban on Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator Mohammad Azaz over allegations of corruption.

Judge Md Sabbir Faiz of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court passed the order following a petition by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Assistant Director Md Ashiqur Rahman, who is leading the inquiry, said court bench assistant Riaz Hossain.

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 chare of local government.