Legal Notice Seeks Disclosure of Bribery Claims

A formal legal notice has been served on Member of Parliament (MP) Mufi Amir Hamza, demanding that he disclose the identities of individuals allegedly involved in offering a bribe amounting to 50 crore taka in an attempt to influence decisions regarding the operational status or possible closure of Kushtia Medical College. The notice further instructs that, within seven days of receipt, the alleged persons must either be publicly identified or handed over to law enforcement authorities for investigation.

The legal notice has been issued on behalf of Hridoy Hasan, a member of the convening committee of the Kushtia District Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, through his legal representative Abdul Majid. According to the lawyer, the notice was dispatched on Wednesday afternoon and sets a strict deadline for compliance. He further warned that failure to meet the demand would result in additional legal proceedings.

Allegation of a 50 crore taka offer

The controversy originates from remarks made by MP Mufi Amir Hamza during an iftar gathering held on 26 February in Kushtia city. In his public statement, he claimed that he had been approached with bribe offers exceeding 50 crore taka over a three-day period in connection with the issue surrounding Kushtia Medical College.

He stated that the alleged offer was made discreetly and was not intended for public knowledge, adding that he had firmly rejected it. He further asserted that even if the entire region of Kushtia were offered, his stance would remain unchanged.

The MP also emphasised his commitment to integrity in public office, stating that during his tenure he aimed to ensure that no financial irregularities or undue influence would affect his responsibilities.

Public reaction and growing debate

Following the remarks, video clips of the speech circulated widely across social media platforms, triggering significant public discussion. Many users and commentators called for transparency, urging the MP to disclose the identities of those allegedly involved in attempting to influence policy through financial inducements.

Critics argue that failing to reveal such names undermines accountability and weakens public trust in governance. Supporters of disclosure, however, maintain that identifying the individuals is essential for ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law, particularly in cases involving alleged corruption in public institutions.

As the footage continued to circulate, debate intensified regarding the governance and oversight of educational and healthcare institutions in Kushtia, with particular focus on transparency in decision-making processes.

Legal notice and allegations

Approximately one month after the initial remarks, the formal legal notice was issued, reiterating the demand for disclosure. The notice states that the MP publicly claimed to have been offered a substantial bribe in relation to the closure or obstruction of Kushtia Medical College Hospital but maintained that he rejected the offer.

However, it further alleges that despite repeatedly presenting himself as having resisted corruption, he has not disclosed the identities of the individuals involved nor reported the matter to law enforcement agencies.

The notice contends that under both Islamic principles and national legal frameworks, bribery is an offence involving culpability on both the giver and the receiver. On this basis, it argues that withholding the names of alleged bribe-givers may be interpreted as shielding individuals from prosecution.

Local political reactions

Reacting to the development, Hridoy Hasan stated that the legal notice was issued as part of efforts to promote a corruption-free Bangladesh. He further claimed that the incomplete operational status of Kushtia Medical College Hospital continues to cause hardship for the public and demanded clarity on those allegedly obstructing its full functioning.

He also warned that public protests or organised movements could be launched if necessary.

Similarly, Zakir Hossain Sarkar, member secretary of the Kushtia District BNP, commented that if the MP had indeed received such a large bribe offer, the identities of those involved should be made public. He described the matter as potentially constituting a criminal offence and stressed that transparency was essential in the interest of justice.

Attempts to obtain response

Attempts were made to contact MP Mufi Amir Hamza via mobile telephone to obtain his response to the allegations and the legal notice; however, no reply was received at the time of reporting.

Timeline of key developments

The issue continues to attract significant political and public attention, particularly regarding transparency in public office, accountability in alleged corruption cases, and the governance of healthcare institutions in Kushtia.