Dhaka: A Bangladesh court on Monday barred 17 former ministers and nine lawmakers of the ousted Sheikh Hasina government from leaving the country, accusing them of corruption. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammad As-Shams Jaglul Hossain's court gave this order on Monday after hearing the applications of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Those barred from leaving the country include former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, former State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, former State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud, former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and former State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain. According to reports, several top leaders of Hasina's Awami League and MPs and Cabinet ministers have left the country.

Bangladesh Parliament resigns

Several other ministers have left their official or private residences and are believed to be hiding in safe places. Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Shirin resigns Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury resigned on Monday. She submitted her resignation to the President. She is accused of killing a jewellery worker during anti-government protests.

Said on the meeting with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus

The case against Chowdhury is among several other cases against former Cabinet ministers and Awami League leaders.US looks forward to working closely with interim govt A top US diplomat said on Monday that his country is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh's interim government and looks forward to strengthening ties with Dhaka on a range of issues, US Embassy Charge d' Affaires Helen Lafave said during a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus