Dhaka: A court here today imposed a travel ban on 23 people, including former governor of Bangladesh Bank Atiur Rahman and former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat, over graft allegations. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order, allowing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 21 other individuals who have been barred from leaving the country include former deputy governor-2 of Bangladesh Bank Abu Hena Mohammad Raji Hassan, former assistant director Mosammet Ismat Ara Begum, and former director Jamal Uddin Ahmed. The list also comprises Md Emdadul Haque, Najibul Islam Dipu, Dr RM Debnath, Md Abu Naser, Sangita Ahmed, and Prof Nitai Chandra Nath. Additionally, former managing director and CEO of Janata Bank Abdus Salam Azad, along with other former bank officials such as deputy general manager Azmul Haque, assistant general manager Ajay Kumar Ghosh, and industrial loan manager Md Golam Azam, are included.
The Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against the 23 individuals on February 20, accusing them of embezzling Taka 297.38 crore from Janata Bank through loan fraud involving AnonTex Group. The ACC stated in its plea that the accused are trying to flee the country to evade justice, necessitating the travel ban to ensure a proper investigation.