The office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has received hundreds of written complaints against the recently departed advisers of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Within just one week of relinquishing their positions, numerous allegations of corruption and financial misconduct were lodged with the commission.
A senior ACC official indicated that the sheer volume of complaints suggests a record number may ultimately be filed. While most submissions were made anonymously, several complaints included the names and details of the complainants. ACC sources have confirmed that, as with other cases, each allegation will undergo thorough verification before any formal investigation begins.
Dr. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director, Dr. Iftikharuzzaman, emphasised that no individual is above the law and that credible allegations must be investigated to ensure accountability.
Allegations Against Key Former Advisers
Nearly all former advisers, including Dr. Yunus himself, are facing multiple corruption allegations. The complaints span various sectors, including financial misappropriation, manipulation of appointments, and irregular dealings in public contracts.
Notable allegations include:
| Former Adviser | Nature of Allegation | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Chief Adviser) | Financial misconduct, tax evasion, embezzlement | Allegedly formed a trust under his name to divert funds from Grameen Welfare and Grameen Telecom. Claims include large-scale tax evasion and transferring substantial sums abroad. |
| Dr. Asif Nazrul (Legal Adviser) | Bribery, bail trade, judicial appointments | Allegedly granted VIP bail in exchange for millions of Taka, manipulated judicial postings, and profited from registrar appointments in lucrative areas of Dhaka. |
| Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Environment Adviser) | Embezzlement, illegal property acquisition | Allegedly misappropriated funds from environmental projects and forcibly occupied private properties. |
| Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan (Energy Adviser) | Financial misconduct | Alleged to have received substantial funds from private energy companies including Summit Group, involving illegal transactions. |
| Nurjahan Begum (Health Adviser) | Tender fraud, irregular hospital procurement | Alleged procurement irregularities and manipulation in hospital contracts. |
| Asif Mahmud (Student Affairs Adviser) | Corruption, foreign currency transfer, illegal cryptocurrency dealings | Alleged embezzlement approaching BDT 1,000 crore, including bribery and evidence-backed claims of overseas fund transfers. |
| Mahfuz Alam (Information Adviser) | Bribery in media licensing | Alleged to have accepted bribes in issuing TV channel licences. |
The complaints suggest systemic corruption during the advisers’ tenure, including financial exploitation of government projects, manipulation of appointments, and facilitating illegal financial transactions. ACC sources have confirmed that all complaints are being meticulously reviewed and that those with prima facie credibility will be pursued further.
Dr. Iftikharuzzaman noted that, historically, allegations against government advisers have often gone unaddressed while in office. Now, with the advisers out of government, the ACC is positioned to investigate without political interference. He stressed that investigations must balance due diligence with protection against harassment, ensuring fair and transparent proceedings.
The wave of allegations underscores increasing public vigilance and the imperative of accountability for those entrusted with governmental responsibilities.