Rising Demands for Impartial Probe into Advisors’ Corruption

Mounting public pressure has intensified over the past week as calls grow louder for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into alleged corruption involving two recently resigned advisors — Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam. Their abrupt departure from the advisory council, followed by a series of serious allegations, has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups, pro-reform youth platforms, and a significant segment of the general public.

At a press conference held on Thursday (11 December) at a community centre in Dhaka’s Paltan area, the Youth Rights Council expressed deep dissatisfaction over what they described as a troubling lack of decisive action from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the organisation, the accusations against the former advisors remain unresolved, and public unease has only intensified due to the apparent institutional inaction.

Addressing the press, the organisation’s president, Manzur Morshed Mamun, stated, “Despite grave allegations of corruption, the ACC has yet to initiate any concrete steps. This prolonged silence is extremely disheartening. Allowing individuals accused of such misconduct to contest national elections without a proper investigation would essentially legitimise corruption.” He further warned that the organisation was prepared to besiege the ACC headquarters if necessary, stressing that unchecked allegations could erode confidence not only in the electoral process but also in state institutions as a whole.

Mamun also alleged that for an extended period, Mahfuz Alam’s Personal Assistant (PA) and Additional Personal Assistant (APA) had been involved in unethical practices, financial irregularities, and blatant misuse of administrative authority. Claims have also surfaced suggesting that certain family members of the former advisors unlawfully expanded their wealth by exploiting their political influence. He emphasised that only a transparent, time-bound inquiry could establish the truth behind these allegations.

Meanwhile, on the same day, another demonstration under the banner of “Students and Civil Society” was held in front of the ACC headquarters. Speakers demanded that the ACC publicly disclose a full audit of irregularities — including favouritism, tender manipulation, and alleged administrative misconduct — that reportedly occurred under the supervision of the two former advisors over the past seventeen months.

Participants at the human chain further criticised the ACC for its “conspicuous silence,” noting that several written complaints had been submitted against the advisors’ staff members, yet no visible action had been taken. This inactivity, they argued, either reflects institutional incapacity or a reluctance to act, both of which undermine public interest. They also insisted that individuals who have lost moral credibility should not be permitted to contest the forthcoming national elections, calling for urgent intervention from the Election Commission and the caretaker government.

Leaders from the participating organisations warned that political interference has severely compromised the ACC’s independence, making impartial investigations nearly impossible. Unless these structural weaknesses are addressed, they cautioned, genuine transparency and good governance will remain out of reach.

The gathering concluded with a unified demand: the government must immediately launch a rigorous, unbiased, and wide-ranging investigation, ensuring that anyone found complicit in corruption faces appropriate legal consequences and exemplary punishment.