DHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - A Dhaka court today imposed a travel ban on Bangladesh-origin American citizen Abul Kashem-who had earlier attempted to float "People's Bank" along with ace cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and others-and his wife, Swapna Kashem.   The court also ordered the freezing of 34 bank accounts of Kashem. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz passed the orders, allowing two separate petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).     One petition said an investigation is underway against Abul Kashem for offences under the Money Laundering Prevention Act for allegedly sending illegally acquired money abroad through hundi and attempting to legalise it by bringing it back through banking channels.  Investigators said Kashem and his wife, Swapna Kashem, may flee the country at any time, and restricting their foreign travel is necessary to ensure proper investigation.   Another petition said Kashem conducted transactions through 34 bank accounts as part of the alleged money laundering.  Investigators noted a high risk of the funds being withdrawn and siphoned off abroad. The court was therefore pleased to order the freezing of Kashem's 34 bank accounts.

By Md Aynal Haque RAJSHAHI, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS)- Ahead of the upcoming National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, political party-nominated and independent candidates are actively campaigning in Rajshahi's six constituencies as well as neighbouring areas. The candidates are making various promises of development if elected and are going door to door to reach voters.  Using different arguments and statements, they are trying to secure public support. Their round-the-clock campaigning has significantly heated up the electoral atmosphere in the Rajshahi region.   In Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency, BNP-nominated candidate Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, contesting with the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol, is carrying out extensive door-to-door campaigning and publicity.  Starting Monday morning, he began his campaign from the Afi Nepal Para area of Hujuripara Union in Paba Upazila.  He visited Pakuria field to exchange views with farmers about the election and sought support for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol.  Later, he addressed an election rally at Afi Nepal Para. Milon alleged Jamaat-e-Islami is exploiting religion for political purposes and misleading people. He said that no one can determine who will go to heaven or hell and urged people not to be misled by such claims.  Several roadside meetings were also held at different locations throughout the day.  Meanwhile, Jamaat-nominated candidate Professor Abul Kalam Azad conducted door-to-door campaigning on Monday in the Darshanpara area of Paba, accompanied by party leaders and activists. During the campaign, he sought votes for the 'Scales' symbol and spoke about building a society free from corruption and extortion. Later in the afternoon, he joined an election rally at Bhugrail Mor in Nawhata, where he said that meeting people at their doorsteps and listening to their concerns is an important part of democratic politics. Professor Abul Kalam Azad also claimed that a large number of voters from different walks of life in Paba-Mohanpur are expressing support for the 'Scales' symbol. During interactions with locals, residents raised several long-standing problems of the area. Candidates were seen campaigning in the Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara) constituency, promising various development initiatives in the area. An active electoral atmosphere was observed as voters participated in campaign activities. Jamaat-nominated candidate Dr Abdul Bari Sardar has been campaigning in villages, markets and neighbourhoods across the constituency since receiving his electoral symbol. He conducted door-to-door campaigning and distributed leaflets in and around Jhikra Bazar on Monday. Meanwhile, BNP-nominated candidate DM Ziaur Rahman carried out door-to-door campaigning in the Vabaniganj and Balia unions, seeking support for the 'sheaf of paddy' symbol. During the campaigns, candidates were seen exchanging greetings with voters and seeking support for their respective electoral symbols. Voters raised various long-standing issues, including allegations of corruption, irregularities, partisan discrimination and deprivation of services. The candidates said they would work to address these problems if elected. Ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election in the Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) constituency, BNP-nominated candidate Abu Sayeed Chand carried out campaign activities in the Nandangachi, Salua and Charghat unions. Meanwhile, Jamaat-nominated candidate Principal Nazmul Haque continued door-to-door campaigning in different areas of Yusufpur Union under Charghat Upazila, seeking voters' support. During the campaigns, both candidates spoke about local development plans and various initiatives, and were seen exchanging greetings with voters, including women.