Court refuses Bashundhara Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, four relatives permission to travel

They cited medical and business grounds, reads their petition

A Dhaka court has rejected the application of Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and four members of his family to travel abroad.

Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the order after hearing the petition on Monday, said the court’s bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain.

Other than the Bashundhara Group chairman, his wife Afroza Begum, his two sons Safiat Sobhan Sanvir and Safwan Sobhan and another son Sayem Sobhan Anvir's wife Sabrina Sobhan sought the permission.

Defence lawyer Enamul Haq Sardar cited medical and business grounds for his clients in the petition.

Prosecutors Delwar Jahan Rumi and two others contested the plea on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Rumi told the court that Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and Afroza Begum were sued in multiple cases and cannot go abroad without securing bail.

He argued that the other three cannot get permission without appearing before the court.

On Oct 21, 2024, ACC Deputy Director Nazmul Hussain filed an application seeking a ban on Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and eight members of his family from leaving the country.

They subsequently faced a travel ban.