ACC finds preliminary evidence of corruption allegations against Asif Mahmud and 3 others

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found preliminary evidence supporting corruption allegations against four individuals, including former adviser to the interim government and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan.

A senior ACC official confirmed the development on Wednesday (September 2). According to ACC sources, a four-member special investigation team was formed to examine allegations of irregularities involving appointments, transfers, government procurement and various administrative decisions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The team, led by ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, reviewed the officials’ roles and responsibilities, decision-making processes and financial transactions, among other matters.

ACC sources said the investigation found evidence supporting the allegations against Asif Mahmud as well as then Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zubayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary Md Masum Ahmed. The allegations against them involved irregularities and corruption in various activities of the ministry.

According to sources, the investigation also examined allegations against Asif Mahmud of accepting bribes in exchange for providing undue advantages in government administrative activities, as well as money laundering. The probe also covered allegations of transferring money abroad, conducting Bitcoin transactions through illegal means, extortion, nepotism and using regional influence to secure undue benefits.

Allegations that he interfered in the activities and restructuring process of the cricket board while serving as adviser for youth and sports also received particular attention during the investigation. Sources familiar with the matter said the ACC also looked into allegations that he exerted influence over various administrative and institutional matters and obtained illegal benefits through his former Assistant Private Secretary (APS), Moazzem Hossain.

The ACC also investigated allegations of irregularities in appointments, transfers and government procurement at the Ministry of Youth and Sports allegedly carried out through an influential syndicate.

Although the commission has said it found evidence supporting the allegations against the four individuals, it has yet to publish the full investigation report or disclose details of each allegation. The ACC has also not officially provided details of what legal action, if any, may be taken against them at a later stage.