A court has imposed a travel ban on two former vice-chancellors of the National University — Harun-or-Rashid and Prof Md Mashiur Rahman — amid ongoing investigations into allegations of irregularities and corruption against them.

On Tuesday (24 February), Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz passed the order following a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Riyaz Hossain, bench assistant of the relevant court, confirmed the matter to the media.

On behalf of the ACC, Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin submitted the application seeking a ban on their departure from the country.

The petition stated that a three-member inquiry team has been formed to investigate various allegations of irregularities and corruption against the two former academics, and the inquiry is currently underway. It further said credible sources suggested that the accused might attempt to flee the country. In the interest of a fair and proper investigation, a restriction on their foreign travel was deemed essential.

Harun-or-Rashid, a former professor of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, was first appointed vice-chancellor of the National University on 6 March 2013. He was reappointed to the same post in 2017 for another term.

He was succeeded by Prof Md Mashiur Rahman in 2021. Mashiur Rahman previously taught at the University of Dhaka and the University of Chittagong.