ACC decides to investigate new allegations against NCP’s Asif Mahmud

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch a fresh investigation into various allegations of corruption, bribery, tender manipulation and money laundering against NCP spokesperson and former interim government adviser, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.

Instead of conducting a separate investigation into new allegations, the commission will incorporate them into its ongoing investigation, said ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Tanjir Ahmed.

According to relevant ACC documents, a new complaint filed against Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain contains several serious allegations, including financial transactions involving appointments and postings to various government positions, taking commissions from development project tenders, artificially increasing project costs, and laundering large sums of money abroad.

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ACC seeks records of appointments, transfers during Asif Mahmud’s tenure

The complaint alleges that around Tk60 crore was transacted in connection with the appointment of an administrator to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), while Tk2 crore to Tk10 crore was allegedly transacted for the postings of 36 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the country. He has also been accused of being involved in tender manipulation at Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Narayanganj City Corporation and Cumilla City Corporation.

The complaint further alleges that 10% to 30% commissions were taken from tenders for various development projects under the Ministry of Local Government. It also contains allegations of inflating the costs of rural infrastructure and bridge construction projects, as well as unusually increasing the costs of the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant project and the Mini Stadium project.

The new complaint also alleges financial transactions involving appointments, transfers and promotions in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the appointment of various government officials in exchange for bribes. Allegations have also been made regarding a lavish lifestyle and the accumulation of assets at home and abroad with allegedly illicit funds.

The complaint claims that large sums of money were siphoned abroad to Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland, where the money was allegedly invested in properties and businesses. It also alleges that his relatives and personal staff were used to transfer money abroad.

The document further raises questions about the allocation process for Tk453 crore for a rural infrastructure development project in Muradnagar, Asif Mahmud's home upazila. Allegations have also been made against his father, APS and PO over allegedly controlling contractor syndicates, soliciting bribes and abusing their influence.

According to ACC documents, an investigation into these allegations is already underway. The ACC has decided to incorporate the newly received complaint into the existing investigation.

The commission thinks rather than launching a separate investigation into the new allegations, the ACC will examine them as part of its ongoing investigation.