Court issues travel ban on Sheikh Hasina and her family

A travel ban has been placed on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members, after an ongoing corruption investigation linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. 

The court issued the order following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which sought to prevent the family from leaving the country due to allegations of financial misappropriation.

Sheikh Hasina, the president of the Awami League, and her family have been in India since August 5, following a significant political upheaval. 

The ACC raised concerns over a financial scandal involving nearly 59,000 crore BDT, which is reportedly linked to the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Monirul Islam, the ACC’s Deputy Director, filed an application before the court, requesting the imposition of a travel ban. 

In response, Senior Special Judge Mohammad Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order on Tuesday.

Along with Sheikh Hasina, the court’s decision also affects her son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and Sheikh Rehana’s children, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and Radwan Mujib Siddiq.

According to the application, the ACC’s investigation into the corruption allegations revealed that the accused family members were trying to secretly leave the country. 

The commission feared that if they fled, it would severely disrupt the investigation, making it difficult to access important records. 

The court recognized the need for a travel ban to ensure the smooth progress of the ongoing inquiry.

The investigation is still in progress, with a five-member team formed to delve deeper into the alleged embezzlement connected to the nuclear project. 

The travel ban has been considered essential for safeguarding the investigation’s integrity and preventing further complications.