A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on former Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) commissioner Abdul Halim and former additional secretary Md Sabur Hossain. The order was given on Tuesday, February 3, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) public relations officer Tanzir Ahmed confirmed the court’s decision following a petition filed by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zainal Abedin.

According to the petition, the ACC is investigating allegations of irregularities and corruption in the procurement process of a project under the rural electrification program involving the installation of 500,000 smart pre-payment meters and related communication systems. The investigation team was formed to examine the allegations, which remain under inquiry.

The ACC stated that credible sources indicated the accused might attempt to flee abroad, prompting the request for a travel restriction to ensure a fair investigation. The court granted the order after a hearing.