ACC to investigate allegations against Asif Mahmud, three others

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will investigate the allegations of irregularities in recruitment, transfers and procurement through a syndicate at the Ministry of Youth and Sports involving NCP leader and former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and three others.

Md. Akhtarul Islam, Deputy Director of ACC confirmed the matter on Wednesday (2 September), saying the commission will investigate the allegations against Asif Mahmud and the three other officials.

ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam will lead the special investigation team.

The three other individuals are Md Mahbub Ul Alam, then secretary of the ministry; Dr Sheikh Mohammad Zubaid Hossain, then joint secretary; and Masum Ahmed, then deputy secretary.

According to ACC sources, allegations involving more than Tk 1,000 crore in corruption had been submitted against Asif Mahmud, who also served as an adviser in charge of the Youth and Sports Ministry during the interim government.

The allegations include taking bribes in exchange for facilitating illegal activities and allegedly siphoning money abroad.

The investigation also found allegations concerning illegal cryptocurrency transactions, including the use of bitcoins, the sources said.

The ACC also received complaints from alleged victims concerning extortion, nepotism and the use of local influence, according to the sources.

Officials said the investigation also found allegations that Asif Mahmud directly interfered in the formation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) while serving as adviser to the sports ministry.

The investigation further found allegations that Asif Mahmud obtained illegal benefits through his former Assistant Personal Secretary (APS), Moazzem Hossain, officials said.

The ACC is continuing to examine the allegations and the roles of those named in the investigation.