A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on former Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, barring him from leaving the country.

The order was passed by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Ash Shams Zaglul Hossain on Thursday, following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), confirmed ACC Assistant Director Md Aminul Islam.

Monayem Sarker, ACC director and investigation officer, submitted the application requesting the ban, citing concerns that Rezaul Karim could flee the country with illicitly acquired wealth and important documents, potentially obstructing the ongoing investigation.

The ACC’s petition alleges that SM Rezaul Karim accumulated substantial public funds through corruption and irregularities, exceeding his known sources of income, by misusing his position of power. The commission’s investigation has uncovered significant movable and immovable assets in the names of Rezaul Karim and his family members, located in Najirpur, Pirojpur, and Dhaka.

ACC Public Prosecutor MA Salahuddin Iskandar King emphasized the importance of the travel ban, stating that Rezaul Karim`s departure from the country could disrupt or prolong the investigation process.