Foreign assets must be declared in election affidavits: ACC Chairman

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen has declared that election candidates must disclose foreign as well as domestic assets in their affidavits.

Speaking at the ACC Sylhet divisional office foundation ceremony on Sunday (November 23), he stressed that failing to declare foreign assets would be considered illegal.

He cited discrepancies found during previous investigations, such as ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s agricultural property being reported as 5.2 acres in 2008, though ACC later found 29 acres.

Dr. Momen emphasised that the integrity of a candidate, not party affiliation, is crucial, and media assistance will be sought if candidates hide assets.

He also noted that ACC is not a judicial body; its role is to present evidence, while courts decide on prosecution.

Regarding the new Sylhet office, he said it was necessary due to prior corruption, but ideally, such an office should not be needed if integrity prevailed.