Dhaka: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate allegations of corruption, irregularities, abuse of power, and money laundering against former adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan. The announcement was made by Assistant Director of the ACC's Public Relations Division, Md Tanzir Ahmed, during the commission's regular media briefing today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the allegations against Asif Mahmud include the appointment of an administrator to the Dhaka North City Corporation, postings of Deputy Commissioners across the country, alleged tender manipulation in various city corporations, and taking commissions from different development projects under the Ministry of Local Government. It is alleged that funds were embezzled by artificially inflating the costs of several projects, such as rural infrastructure development and bridge construction projects, the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant project of Dhaka WASA, and the Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium project.
The complaint also alleges financial transactions in connection with recruitment, transfers, and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as bribery in the appointments of the managing director of Dhaka WASA, the chief engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department, and the chief executive officer of Gazipur City Corporation. Further allegations suggest that state funds were wasted through helicopter travel and that Asif Mahmud acquired assets in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland through allegedly illicit earnings and laundered money.
It is claimed that money was siphoned abroad through his two brothers-in-law and a nephew. Questions have been raised over the allocation and approval process for a Taka 453 crore rural infrastructure development project in his home upazila, Muradnagar in the Cumilla district. The complaint also includes allegations against Asif Mahmud's father, Bellal Hossain, Assistant Private Secretary Moazzem Hossain, and Personal Officer Mahfuzul Alam Bhuiyan, concerning alleged control over contractors' syndicates, bribery, and abuse of power.
The ACC stated that an investigation into the allegations of corruption and irregularities against Asif Mahmud is now underway, with the complaint being attached to the ACC headquarters for further inquiry. The commission emphasized that the allegations raised in the complaint would be verified through the investigation.