Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an expanded investigation into Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, a former adviser to the interim government, following fresh allegations of money laundering amounting to 110 billion Bangladeshi Taka (approximately £700 million). The high-profile youth leader, who rose to prominence during the July student movement, is facing serious scrutiny over accusations of widespread bribery, illicit recruitment schemes, and the inflation of public project costs during his tenure in office.
Speaking to reporters at the ACC headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday, Tanjir Ahmed, Assistant Director of the commission’s public relations division, confirmed that these newly surfaced allegations have been merged with an ongoing probe against the former adviser. Investigators are reviewing evidence suggesting that vast sums were siphoned out of Bangladesh to acquire assets and make substantial investments across Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland.
According to documents submitted to the commission, the money laundering operational network allegedly involved close relatives, including Asif’s brothers-in-law and a nephew, who acted as conduits for transferring funds overseas. Detailed figures within the complaint allege that 45 billion Taka was funnelled to Dubai—where funds were reportedly invested in the Green Group and luxury real estate—alongside 30 billion Taka to Singapore, 20 billion Taka to Australia, and 15 billion Taka deposited into confidential Swiss bank accounts.
Within Bangladesh, the allegations outline a systematic pattern of corruption spanning several ministries and local government institutions. The complaint details key recruitment bribes totalling 1.87 billion Taka across four major appointments:
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600 million Taka for appointing the Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation.
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650 million Taka for the appointment of Abdul Latif Khan as Chief Executive Officer of Gazipur City Corporation.
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520 million Taka for securing the post of Chief Engineer at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for Md. Abdur Rashid Khan.
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100 million Taka allegedly received as a kickback for appointing Abdus Salam as Managing Director of Dhaka WASA.
Furthermore, investigators are examining claims that between 20 million and 100 million Taka was charged per appointment during the assignment of 36 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the country. The former adviser, who also held responsibilities at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, is accused of demanding commissions ranging from 10 to 30 per cent on municipal development tenders in Dhaka South, Narayanganj, and Comilla.
Significant discrepancies have also been highlighted in infrastructure and utility projects. The complaint points to cost overruns in the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant, a 12 billion Taka cost inflation in the Sheikh Russell Mini Stadium project, and a 4.53 billion Taka rural infrastructure allocation specifically directed to Asif’s home upazila of Muradnagar in Comilla.
Beyond institutional procurement, the ACC documents detail personal misconduct and extravagant spending, alleging regular use of private helicopters at state expense, frequent stays in luxury five-star establishments such as the Hotel Westin, residence in high-end apartments, and the use of luxury vehicles. Close associates, including his father Billal Hossain, Assistant Private Secretary (APS) Moazzem Hossain, and Personal Officer (PO) Mahfuzul Alam Bhuiyan, are alleged to have run contractor syndicates and abused administrative authority to collect bribes.
The ACC emphasized that all allegations remain under formal investigation, and no charges have been legally proven at this stage. Further enforcement actions will depend on the outcome of the ongoing enquiry.
