ACC launches probe against Asif Mahmud, three others over alleged corruption

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of irregularities and corruption involving Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a former adviser to the interim government, and three others over alleged syndicate-based manipulation of recruitment, transfers and procurement at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

A senior ACC official confirmed the development on Wednesday (September 2), saying a four-member special team has already been formed to investigate the allegations.

ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zahid Kalam is leading the team.

The other three people named in the inquiry are former Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zubayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary Mohammad Masum Ahmed.

According to ACC sources, various allegations of irregularities and corruption were raised against Asif Mahmud during his tenure as an adviser to the interim government formed after the July mass uprising.

The allegations include corruption involving thousands of crores of taka, taking bribes in exchange for facilitating illegal activities and money laundering, according to the complaints submitted to the ACC.

The complaints also reportedly include allegations of transferring money abroad, illegal Bitcoin transactions, extortion, nepotism and using regional influence for personal or vested interests.

The inquiry will also examine allegations that Asif Mahmud directly intervened in the formation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board while serving as adviser for youth and sports.

Investigators are also looking into allegations that he obtained various unlawful benefits through his former Assistant Private Secretary (APS), Moazzem Hossain.

The ACC special team will examine the credibility of the allegations, the roles of the individuals named and whether they were involved in the alleged irregularities and corruption.