Dhaka Court imposes 60-day travel ban on former WASA MD Taqsem amid corruption probe

A Dhaka court on Thursday imposed a 60-day travel ban on Taqsem A Khan, the former Managing Director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), in connection with ongoing corruption allegations against him.

The order was issued by Judge Mohammed Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court of Dhaka, following a petition by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Syed Nazrul Islam, who is also leading the investigation, according to ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam.

ACC public prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir presented the petition on behalf of the commission, which argued that Taqsem was attempting to flee the country, and requested the travel ban to prevent his departure.

The ACC informed the court that an investigation is currently underway into allegations that Taqsem embezzled funds under the guise of various projects and engaged in illegal recruitment practices during his tenure.

Taqsem resigned from his position as the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA on August 14, citing health issues. He submitted his resignation letter online.

Taqsem A Khan was first appointed as the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA in 2009. His tenure was extended multiple times, with the most recent extension in August of last year, marking his seventh reappointment for an additional three years.