ACC decides to investigate corruption allegations against Asif Mahmud

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate allegations of corruption, irregularities, abuse of power and money laundering against former adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.

Assistant Director of the ACC's Public Relations Division Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the information at the commission's regular media briefing here today.

He said allegations received against Asif Mahmud including the appointment of an administrator to the Dhaka North City Corporation, postings of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the country, alleged tender manipulation in various city corporations and taking commission from different development projects under the Ministry of Local Government.

The allegations further stated that funds were embezzled by artificially inflating the costs of several projects, including rural infrastructure development and bridge construction projects, the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant project of Dhaka WASA and the Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium project.

The complaint also alleged financial transactions in connection with recruitment, transfers and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as bribery in the appointments of the managing director of Dhaka WASA, the chief engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the chief executive officer of Gazipur City Corporation.

The complaint additionally alleged that state funds were wasted through helicopter travel and that Asif Mahmud acquired assets in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland through allegedly illicit earnings and laundered money.

It further claims that money was siphoned abroad through his two brothers-in-law and a nephew. Questions have also been raised over the allocation and approval process for a Taka 453 crore rural infrastructure development project in his home upazila, Muradnagar in Cumilla district.

The complaint also contained allegations against Asif Mahmud's father, Bellal Hossain, Assistant Private Secretary Moazzem Hossain and Personal Officer (PO) Mahfuzul Alam Bhuiyan, including alleged control over contractors' syndicates, bribery and abuse of power.

The ACC said an investigation into the allegations of corruption and irregularities against Asif Mahmud is now underway. The commission has decided to attach the complaint to the ACC headquarters and conduct an inquiry.

The commission, however, said the allegations raised in the complaint would be verified through the investigation.