Dhaka: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted charge sheets against 352 individuals in connection with 111 corruption cases, amounting to a total of Taka 1,235 crore. These charge sheets were filed over the January-March period of this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the anti-graft watchdog has initiated 153 graft cases against 477 people, implicating them in the embezzlement of Taka 5,118 crore during the same period. The main allegations include acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income, embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, and forgery.
The report highlights that among the accused, 144 are government service-holders, forming the largest group, with 203 of them being charge-sheeted. Additionally, the accused include 44 businesspeople, 60 politicians, 11 people’s representatives, and 105 individuals from various other professions. Among those charge-sheeted, 18 are businesspeople, 7 politicians, 9 people’s representatives, and 66 from different professions.
Significant cases include United Super Traders proprietor Md Golam Kibria Chowdhury and former chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC S Alam, along with his son Ahsanul Alam and 44 others, who are accused of embezzling Taka 1,113.93 crore. Awami League Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, his wife, and daughter are alleged to have laundered approximately Taka 260 crore through Ratul Telecom Limited.
Further allegations involve former lawmaker Shamim Osman and his wife, accused of laundering about Taka 194 crore through Telecommunications Limited Company. Another former lawmaker, Fahmi Golandaz Babel, and his wife are said to have amassed assets worth Taka 64 crore beyond known sources and laundered about US$1,72,000.
Additionally, dismissed Maj Gen Ziaul Ahsan and his wife are accused of laundering Taka 342.5 crore. Former National Board of Revenue member Matiur Rahman and his family allegedly acquired assets worth about Taka 97.17 crore beyond their known income.
Speaking to BSS, ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain emphasized that the ACC thoroughly investigates any complaint before filing a case. He noted that charge sheets are typically submitted within 180 days of case filing, and assured that the process of taking action against the accused is ongoing without consideration of any party identity.