Former Dhaka North Mayor Atiqul Islam Barred from Leaving the Country

The court has imposed a travel ban on former Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, as well as his wife Shaila Shagufta Islam and daughter Bushra Afrin.

The order was issued on January 7, Wednesday by Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz of the Dhaka Metropolitan Court, following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

ACC public relations officer Tanzir Ahmed confirmed the information.

Atiqul Islam was arrested on October 16, 2024, from the Mohakhali DOHS area in the aftermath of the July uprising. He remains in custody as the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations continues.

The request for the travel ban was filed by ACC Deputy Director Md. Saiduzzaman.

The petition stated that investigations are ongoing against Atiqul Islam and others for abuse of power, irregularities in tenders, purchase of mosquito larvicide spraying machines with public funds, corruption, and money laundering. During the investigation, it was revealed that Atiqul Islam and his family members hold undisclosed assets both within Bangladesh and abroad, including in Canada and the United States.

The petition further noted that Atiqul Islam and his family might flee abroad to transfer their movable and immovable assets, which could hinder the ongoing investigation, hence the need for the travel ban.