ACC Puts Corruption Probes into Advisers’ APS and PO on ‘Ice’

Investigations into corruption allegations against two former personal staff of interim government advisers have reportedly been placed in the ‘deep freeze’ by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The officials in question are Md Moazzem Hossain, former Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) to the Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and Tuhin Farabi, former Personal Officer (PO) to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum.

Although the ACC’s intelligence unit initially found preliminary evidence supporting the allegations, the formal investigation has made little progress in the seven months since it began. Following early media attention and public criticism, the ACC merely summoned the accused for questioning and then effectively halted the inquiry. In contrast, corruption cases against several former ministers and MPs launched during the same period have already reached the charge-sheet stage.

Old Patterns Resurface in ACC’s Approach

Sources within the ACC suggest that the commission’s long-standing pattern has resurfaced — it remains cautious when dealing with influential individuals close to those in power. Since its inception, the ACC has often shown greater enthusiasm for investigating corruption linked to opposition figures, a tendency that appears unchanged.

Serious allegations of corruption against the advisers’ APSs, POs, relatives and associates have surfaced repeatedly over the past year, yet the ACC has failed to take tangible action in any of these cases. Even investigations launched over a year ago into alleged corruption by retired and serving army officers remain incomplete. Meanwhile, numerous cases have been filed against former ministers, MPs, and businesspeople affiliated with the previous government.

ACC Chairman’s Response

Speaking on the matter, ACC Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen said,“Investigations into the allegations against the advisers’ APS and PO are ongoing. No conclusive evidence of corruption has been found yet. If proof is established, legal action will certainly follow.”

He added, “The ACC is working to the best of its ability. It is not possible for the commission alone to curb and eliminate all forms of corruption. We are under no external pressure and act strictly according to the law whenever allegations arise.”

‘Government Mood’ Drives the Commission

Former ACC Director General (Legal) Moeedul Islam commented:“The ACC has always operated in line with the government’s wishes — that has become its tradition. The commission gauges the government’s mood before acting. At present, there is neither a social nor a political environment to pursue corruption cases against those close to power. This is why the ACC has become so spineless.”

Nature of the Allegations and Stalled Investigations

According to sources, both Moazzem Hossain and Tuhin Farabi are accused of trading bribes for transfers and promotions, pocketing commissions from procurement deals, and favouring preferred contractors. Following reports published in Jugantor, the ACC’s intelligence unit began a confidential inquiry.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) provided the ACC with details of their bank accounts, which showed suspicious transactions. After confirming preliminary evidence, the ACC formally opened investigations on 4 May and formed two separate teams. The accused were subsequently summoned for questioning. They ignored the first summons but later appeared before investigators at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha. Since then, the probe has seen no visible progress.

Insiders say investigators have been reluctant to “pull the thread” for fear that “the whole fabric will unravel”. Despite having clear evidence of irregular transactions, the teams have reportedly faced informal restrictions from powerful quarters. As one investigator put it, “It is hard to believe the advisers’ staff could engage in such corruption without their knowledge.”

TIB’s Reaction

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), expressed concern:“If the ACC has indeed stalled these investigations despite having cognisable evidence, it would be deeply disappointing. This would raise serious questions about whether the commission has reverted to its old ways. It is not just frustrating for the ACC but for the entire nation. If this is the current state of affairs, things could become even worse after the next election.”

Public Protests and Petitions

The Youth Rights Council staged a “March to ACC” demonstration demanding investigation into the allegations against the advisers’ staff, later submitting a memorandum to the commission. Two High Court lawyers, Advocate Nadim Mahmud and Advocate Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, also lodged formal complaints with the ACC. However, with no visible progress in the inquiry, public and legal interest in the matter has since waned.

Dismissals and Party Actions

On 22 April, a government circular officially relieved APS Md Moazzem Hossain of his duties under the Local Government Adviser. Earlier, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum’s PO, student representative Tuhin Farabi, had also been dismissed amid corruption allegations.

Separately, on 21 April, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) suspended its Joint Member Secretary, Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, following allegations of taking commissions in paper procurement for textbook printing.

In sum, the ACC’s prolonged silence and inaction once again underscore its apparent inability — or unwillingness — to move against individuals linked to the powerful, leaving yet another high-profile corruption probe in the deep freeze.