Dhaka:The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) press briefings on Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, a former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) Senior Joint Member Secretary. The rule was issued following an initial hearing on a writ petition challenging the ACC's authority to hold press briefings on September 2 and 13.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the High Court bench, comprising Justice Md Bashir Ullah and Justice Md Hamidur Rahman, has asked the ACC to explain its position within four weeks. The court also inquired why the ACC's statements, which claimed that the allegations against Asif had been initially substantiated at the inquiry stage, should not be declared beyond its legal authority for violating Article 31 of the Constitution and the ACC's Information Disclosure Policy, 2011.
The rule further questions why the commission should not be directed to refrain from conducting press briefings on ongoing inquiries or investigations in a manner that could undermine citizens' constitutional rights to reputation and dignity, as well as internationally recognized standards in criminal law. Senior lawyers from the National Lawyers Alliance represented Asif in court.
Asif filed the writ petition on September 27, 2026, alleging that the ACC had violated his constitutional rights, personal dignity, and political reputation by prematurely declaring allegations against him substantiated and publicly sharing other unproven allegations. The petition emphasized that while the ACC is responsible for impartial inquiries into corruption allegations, it lacks the authority to publicly label individuals as guilty before completing its investigations.
The petition argued that such disclosures violate citizens' rights to dignity and reputation, as protected under Article 31 of the Constitution, and contravene established principles of justice. Asif emphasized the importance of state institutions operating within the legal limits set by the Constitution and the law, maintaining a clear distinction between investigating allegations and establishing criminal liability.
Asif described the High Court's rule as a significant step towards safeguarding constitutional rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring accountability of state institutions. He expressed hope for a fair resolution of the matter through subsequent legal proceedings.