A Dhaka Metropolitan Court issued travel bans on former Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, his wife Kashmiri Kamal, his daughters Kashfi Kamal and Nafisa Kamal, former State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md. Zakir Hossain, and Arifa Jasmine, wife of former ICT State Minister Junayed Ahmed Palak on Tuesday (February 18).
The orders were issued by Senior Special Judge Md. Zakir Hossain Galib, based on three separate applications submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Investigating officer Md Nurul Huda said that there is an ongoing investigation into allegations of illicit wealth accumulation against Mustafa Kamal, his wife, and his daughters. There is credible information suggesting they might flee the country, and a travel ban is essential to ensure a fair investigation.
Regarding the travel ban on Md. Zakir Hossain, Assistant Director Minhaz Bin Islam explained, ''A case was registered against him on January 21 for amassing enormous illegal wealth through various irregularities and corruption. Restricting his international travel is imperative, until the investigation is complete."
On Arifa Jasmine’s application, the official noted, "After investigating allegations of accumulating vast illicit wealth through irregularities involving former ministers and several MPs, a case was filed against her on December 12. Imposing a travel ban is necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation.”
Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit ordered the seizure of bank accounts belonging to Mustafa Kamal, his wife Kashmiri Kamal, and daughter Nafisa Kamal On August 22, 2024.
Additionally, an attempt-to-murder case was lodged in Comilla against Mustafa Kamal and 85 others on September 5, 2024.
It is also noted that former State Minister Md. Zakir Hossain and ex-home secretary Mostafa Kamal Uddin are currently detained on separate murder charges.
The travel bans have been imposed as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on corruption and ensure a comprehensive and fair investigation into the allegations of financial irregularities.
MAL/SH
