The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of irregularities and corruption involving former Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and three other officials.
The allegations centre on appointments and transfers at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as irregularities in government procurement allegedly carried out through a syndicate.
A senior ACC official confirmed the development to local media on Wednesday (2 September). The commission has already formed a four-member inquiry team to examine the allegations. ACC Deputy Director Md Jahid Kalam is leading the special team.
The other three individuals named in the inquiry are former Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zubayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary Md Masum Ahmed.
According to ACC sources, a range of allegations have been brought against Asif Mahmud, who served as an adviser to the interim government formed after the July mass uprising and is currently a spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The allegations reportedly involve corruption worth thousands of crores of taka. Among the claims are receiving bribes in exchange for facilitating unlawful activities and involvement in money laundering. Allegations concerning the transfer of money abroad and unlawful Bitcoin transactions have also been submitted to the commission.
The complaints also include allegations of extortion, favouritism and the use of regional influence. The ACC inquiry is expected to establish whether these allegations have any factual and financial basis and whether the individuals concerned were involved in any wrongdoing.
Another allegation relates to the administration of cricket. Sources said Asif Mahmud has been accused of directly interfering in the formation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board while serving as the adviser responsible for the sports sector.
The inquiry will also examine allegations concerning his former assistant private secretary, or APS, Moazzem Hossain. According to the complaints, Asif Mahmud allegedly obtained various unlawful advantages through Moazzem.
The allegations, however, remain unproven at this stage. The launch of an ACC inquiry does not establish criminal liability or confirm that any offence has taken place. Investigators will need to examine relevant documents, administrative decisions, financial transactions and other evidence before reaching any conclusion.
The inquiry comes amid wider scrutiny of administrative and financial decisions taken during the interim government period. Appointment and transfer decisions, public procurement and the exercise of official influence are particularly significant areas in any investigation involving a government ministry, as they can involve substantial public resources and administrative authority.
The four-member team led by Jahid Kalam will now assess the allegations and gather relevant information. Depending on the findings, the ACC may determine whether further legal or investigative action is warranted.
For now, the allegations against Asif Mahmud and the three officials remain matters under investigation, with their validity yet to be established by the competent authorities.
