The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of irregularities and corruption involving former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and three others in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The allegations reportedly concern appointments and transfers, government procurement, and alleged irregularities carried out through a syndicate within the ministry.
A senior ACC official confirmed the development to local media on Wednesday, 2 September. A four-member inquiry team has already been formed to examine the allegations. ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zahid Kalam is leading the team.
The other three individuals named in the inquiry are former Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zubayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary Mohammad Masum Ahmed.
According to ACC sources, allegations against Asif Mahmud include corruption involving a large sum of money, reportedly amounting to thousands of crores of taka. The complaints include allegations of taking bribes to facilitate unlawful activities, money laundering and the transfer of funds abroad.
There are also allegations relating to illegal Bitcoin transactions. Complaints concerning alleged extortion, favouritism and the use of regional influence have reportedly been submitted to the ACC by individuals claiming to have been affected by such activities.
The inquiry also covers allegations linked to Asif Mahmud’s tenure as adviser in charge of the sports portfolio. According to the sources, he has been accused of directly interfering in the formation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Another allegation concerns his former Assistant Private Secretary, or APS, Moazzem Hossain. It has been alleged that Asif Mahmud obtained various unlawful advantages through him.
The ACC’s decision to open an inquiry marks the beginning of a formal process to examine the allegations and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to substantiate them. The inquiry team is expected to scrutinise relevant official records, administrative decisions and other available information connected with the complaints.
The allegations remain unproven at this stage. An ACC inquiry does not, by itself, establish guilt or confirm that any offence has been committed. Any further legal action would depend on the findings and evidence gathered during the inquiry.
Asif Mahmud, a former adviser to the interim government formed following the July uprising, is currently a spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP). The inquiry therefore places renewed attention on allegations concerning the management of administrative affairs, procurement and decision-making within the Ministry of Youth and Sports during his period of responsibility.
