Akhtar Hossain Took Money to Appoint PPs: Muntasir Mahmud

Muntasir Mahmud, a central organizer who was permanently released from the National Citizen Party (NCP), has accused the party’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain of corruption. He alleged that Akhtar Hossain demanded 5 million taka from candidates in different districts to appoint Public Prosecutors (PPs).

He made the allegation during a Facebook Live from his personal profile late Friday night. Earlier, he had given NCP’s top leader Akhtar Hossain one hour to offer an unconditional apology.

Muntasir Mahmud said, at that time he was the central secretary of the Student Rights Council. After the July mass uprising, Asif Nazrul and others took charge. During that period, PPs were being appointed nationwide. He proposed the name of Shirin Apa (Shirin Akhtar Shelly) from Narsingdi and her son Golam Reshad Tamal—who was the joint convener of the Student Rights Council and was injured during the movement.

He further said that Akhtar’s people removed Shirin Apa’s name and replaced it with another woman’s name after taking money. Yet Shirin Apa had played a significant role during the fascist regime and provided strong support, even to Akhtar himself.

Muntasir claimed, “He (Akhtar) said it would take 5 million taka to become a PP. Taking money from someone else, Akhtar Hossain removed Shirin Apa’s name.”

He stated that later they, along with Tarek Bhai, informed Asif Nazrul of Shirin Apa’s suffering and that she never took any government benefits and was a deserving candidate. Following this, Asif Nazrul appointed her as PP.

Describing an incident at the Press Club, Muntasir said, “As soon as Asif Nazrul appointed her, Akhtar called and said—Apa, it will take 5 million taka. We’ve made you a PP. The work is done; now you must pay 5 million taka.” Shirin Apa, being happy, gave Akhtar’s PS Atik Munshi one lakh taka while sitting in her car. Many witnessed this.

He also said that because she had given only one lakh taka, Akhtar became angry and told Shirin Apa over the phone—5 million taka is required; just as we can include a name, we can also remove it. He made such unjust remarks.

Muntasir added that revealing this corruption has put his life in danger. Even so, he pledged to continue exposing corruption involving other NCP leaders.

Khaborwala/TSN