A dramatic scene unfolded at the headquarters of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Segunbagicha last Thursday, 26 February, as a group of supporters of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan lodged a formal complaint against former Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud. The incident led to a sudden surge of visitors and significant disruption within the office.
According to ACC sources, around 20–30 individuals entered the premises around midday, chanting slogans in favour of Shakib Al Hasan and demanding the filing of a corruption complaint against the former adviser. Their presence reportedly put pressure on officials, briefly interrupting routine operations.
An ACC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “A group of people arrived unexpectedly and created a commotion inside the office, effectively pressuring us to accept a complaint. However, it is important to note that no complaint automatically progresses to an investigation or legal action. Every submission is reviewed and verified according to legal procedures.”
The official added that complaints submitted anonymously are kept under observation. If sufficient evidence or reliable information is not available, the complaint may be dismissed. Subsequent steps are taken strictly based on the validity and verifiability of the allegations.
The ACC’s complaint handling and investigation procedure is summarised below:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Complaint Submission | Any individual or group may submit a written complaint. |
| Preliminary Verification | Initial assessment of the complaint’s authenticity and information gathering. |
| Observation | Anonymous or unsubstantiated complaints are monitored. |
| Investigation Decision | If sufficient evidence is found, an investigation or legal proceedings are initiated. |
| Dismissal | Complaints lacking credible evidence are formally dismissed. |
While the incident attracted attention and speculation about potential political or social implications, the ACC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality under the law. Officials emphasised that all complaints will be handled on the basis of verified evidence, regardless of public support or pressure.
A senior ACC officer said, “No matter how widely supported a complaint may be, we act solely on factual information and evidence. Public pressure or disturbances cannot influence the integrity of our investigative process.”
This event highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding high-profile figures in Bangladesh and underscores the ACC’s responsibility to maintain neutrality and due diligence in handling allegations of corruption.