Travel ban imposed on former RAJUK chairman Siddiqur, wife

He is accused of “embezzling money” from multiple projects, including one named Purbachal New Town

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on Siddiqur Rahman Sarker, immediate past chairman of the capital development authority Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), and his wife on charges of “corruption”.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order on Thursday following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Confirming the travel ban on retired maj gen Siddiqur and his wife Gazi Rebeka Rowsun, the anti-graft watchdog spokesman Akhtarul Islam told bdnews24.com that the commission's Director Abul Hasnat had filed a petition with the court seeking a stay on their foreign trips.

The interim government cancelled Siddiqur’s appointment in March this year.

After that, the ACC formed a three-strong probe team led by Hasnat on Apr 10.

Other panel members are the commission’s Assistant Director Bishan Ghosh and Deputy Assistant Director Afia Khatun.

Hasnat’s plea shows Siddiqur is accused of embezzling money from multiple projects, including one named the Purbachal New Town through “abuse of power, irregularities, and corruption”.

He is also facing charges of acquiring "wealth beyond means" linked to him and the members of his family. The ACC is investigating the allegations.

The former RAJUK chairman and his wife are “trying to flee abroad”. The ACC believes the investigation process may be prolonged or disrupted if they “flee the country”, the application mentioned.

Siddiqur was appointed as RAJUK chairman on a two-year term on Apr 8, 2023.

After the interim government took charge, the contract was cancelled on Sept 19, 2024.

Later another notification on Sept 22 last year reinstated him, overturning the earlier decision.

However, his contract was cancelled again in March.

The ACC has asked the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and the RAJUK chairman to provide information in connection with the investigation by Apr 16 and 17, respectively.

In addition, a letter has been sent to the current RAJUK chairman seeking information on the agency’s board meetings from 2022 to 2024.

The anti-corruption watchdog has also sent letters to 64 banks to verify the ex-RAJUK chairman’s bank transactions.