National

Court bars Nafeez Sarafat to leave country

A Dhaka court has imposed a ban on Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat, former chairman of Padma Bank Limited, to leave the country following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). 

The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Assam Jaglul Hossain.

According to the ACC’s application, Nafeez Sarafat is accused of embezzling large sums of money, laundering funds abroad, and engaging in corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. 

The investigation revealed that he allegedly amassed significant wealth in various parts of the country and Canada, leveraging his position and political connections. 

Additionally, Sarafat has reportedly been issuing statements through national newspapers from undisclosed locations.

The ACC expressed concerns that Nafeez Sarafat might attempt to flee the country due to the current circumstances, which could hinder the ongoing investigation. 

In response, ACC Deputy Director Masudur Rahman submitted the application, with Public Prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir representing the ACC during the hearing.

After reviewing the evidence and concerns raised, the court granted the ACC’s request, barring Sarafat from leaving the country to ensure a fair investigation.