Former BSS MD Mahbub Morshed did not appear at the ACC's summons

Former Managing Director (MD) and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Mahbub Morshed did not appear at the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) summons for questioning on various irregularities and corruption charges. Apart from not appearing before the commission at the scheduled time, he did not request any time. Meanwhile, the ACC said that several other current and former BSS officials will be questioned in phases on the same charges.

The agency's Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam told reporters at the ACC's head office on Monday.

He said, "Former Managing Director and Chief Editor of BSS Mahbub Morshed was summoned for questioning today. But he did not appear at the ACC at the scheduled time. He did not request any time. The commission will decide what to do next in his matter." He also said that several other BSS officials will be questioned in phases as part of the same charges.

ACC sources said that the commission is investigating allegations of irregularities, abuse of power and corruption in recruitment, financial management, procurement activities and administrative decision-making against former BSS MD Mahbub Morshed. A summons notice was sent to him on June 24 to take a statement on these allegations.

The notice, signed by ACC Deputy Director AKM Mahbubur Rahman, asked him to appear at the ACC head office at 3pm on June 29 and give a statement. At the same time, he was instructed to bring necessary documents including a copy of his national identity card and passport.

The notice mentioned that taking his statement is absolutely necessary for the sake of a fair investigation into various irregularities and corruption allegations against Mahbub Morshed. However, he did not appear at the ACC on the scheduled day and did not make any application stating the reason for his absence.

The ACC said that the verification of documents and information related to the allegations is continuing. Further legal action will be taken against those concerned based on the information and evidence obtained during the investigation. At the same time, the role of several other BSS officials and former officials is also being brought under investigation.