Dhaka authorities have imposed a travel restriction on sixteen individuals, including former chairman of Basic Bank Sheikh Abdul Hye Bacchu, amid an ongoing corruption investigation involving the alleged misappropriation of substantial funds from the bank’s Gulshan branch.
The directive was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Sabbir Faiz, following a petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Mohammad Riaz Hossain confirmed that the measure aims to prevent the accused from leaving the country while the investigation remains active.
Investigators informed the court that intelligence suggested several suspects might attempt to travel abroad to evade legal proceedings, which could hinder the inquiry and delay judicial action. In response, the court extended the travel restriction until further notice.
Individuals Under Travel Restriction
| Name | Former Position or Role |
|---|---|
| Sheikh Abdul Hye Bacchu | Former Chairman, Basic Bank |
| AKM Sazedur Rahman | Former Managing Director |
| Kazi Fakhrul Islam | Former Managing Director & CEO |
| Fazlus Sobhan | Deputy Managing Director |
| Shah Alam Bhuiyan | Former General Manager & Company Secretary |
| Jahangir Akhand Selim | Former Director |
| Fakhrul Islam | Former Director |
| Shubhashish Bose | Former Director |
| Nilufar Ahmed | Former Director |
| Dr Kazi Akhtar Hossain | Former Director |
| Anwarul Islam | Former Director |
| Sipar Ahmed | Former Branch Manager, Gulshan Branch |
| Yasir Ahmed Khan | Managing Director, Tahmina Denim Limited |
| Kamal Zaman Molla | Chairman, Tahmina Denim Limited |
| Kazi Rizwana Mominul Haque | Director |
| Jasim Uddin Chowdhury | Chief Surveyor |
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
ACC investigators claim the accused colluded and misused their official authority to unlawfully withdraw approximately BDT 84 million from the Gulshan branch of Basic Bank. The funds were allegedly redirected through irregular transactions and misappropriated for personal gain.
The alleged misconduct constitutes criminal breach of trust and serious violations of banking regulations, prompting the ACC to launch a formal investigation. A charge sheet was filed on 12 June 2023, following the discovery of suspicious transactions and internal irregularities.
Case Timeline
| Key Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Charge sheet submitted | 12 June 2023 | ACC filed investigation report in court |
| Temporary travel restriction | 1 January 2024 | 60-day travel ban on several suspects |
| Further investigation ordered | Subsequent court directive | Special Judge Court requested additional inquiry |
| New travel ban issued | 9 March 2026 | Court barred sixteen individuals from leaving Bangladesh |
The earlier temporary travel ban expired after 60 days. One of the accused later sought its removal, prompting the ACC to petition for a renewed and expanded restriction covering all sixteen suspects.
Following review of the charge sheet, the Special Judge Court returned the case to the ACC with observations and requested further investigation to clarify aspects of the alleged financial irregularities. Investigators continue to examine bank records, transaction documents, and related evidence.
Authorities confirmed that one of the originally named accused, Korban Ali, has since passed away. Officials emphasised that restricting international travel is crucial to ensure the availability of suspects for questioning and potential trial.
The ACC reiterated its commitment to pursuing the investigation thoroughly, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to financial governance standards. This court order represents a significant step in safeguarding the investigation and preserving the integrity of the judicial process against former Basic Bank officials.