By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh's former prime minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, scheduled to leave for the United States Friday faces travel restrictions through a court order.
Hasina, who had ruled the country for five years from 1996, will be visiting her daughter who is expecting a baby early next month.
Upon an application filed by the police, Magistrate Shamsul Alam Thursday asked the authorities to block Hasina's travel plans in consultation with the immigration authorities.
Two cases of extortion involving nearly US $1.14 million were filed against Hasina by two private business houses Wednesday.
In its application, police told the court that they have information that Sheikh Hasina will leave the country for the US Friday. Since an inquiry is on, her leaving the country might hamper investigations, police claimed.
Authorities also pointed out that if she leaves the country, there is a possibility that she might not return. Under the circumstances, the court was urged to pass the necessary order restraining her from leaving the country.
Police Thursday prevented Sheikh Hasina from visiting landslide victims in the country's south-eastern port city Chittagong on the plea of instructions from higher authorities. Hundreds of police were posted around her residence in central Dhaka.