Travel ban imposed on ex-WASA MD Salam, wife

A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on former Managing Director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) Md Abdus Salam Bepari and his wife amid allegations of money laundering and illegal accumulation of wealth.

Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the matter to Jago News.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court judge Sabbir Faiz issued the order, following a petition filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 

According to the CID’s Financial Crime Unit, preliminary investigations indicate that Abdus Salam Bepari and his associates transferred substantial funds both domestically and abroad without authorisation from Bangladesh Bank, accumulating significant assets in countries including Canada.

The petition cited the need to bar Abdus Salam and his wife, Mahbubunnesa, from traveling abroad to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

The court’s order also directs 21 government and private agencies to submit detailed information regarding the accused’s assets. This includes bank and BO accounts, tax records, trade licenses, passports, and both movable and immovable properties.

CID officials, including Additional SP Al Mamun and Inspector Ashraful Islam, have formally launched an investigation into the allegations.

Salam submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Local Government on Sunday, March 8.

He was appointed Managing Director of Dhaka WASA on November 11 last year. Prior to that, he served as the authority’s Additional Chief Engineer. 

MDAA/MHK