DHAKA: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated a probe into government employees allegedly holding dual citizenship and passports, a move aimed at curbing corruption and illegal wealth transfer. The ACC has requested detailed information from several governmental departments to aid in their investigation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain announced that letters have been dispatched to the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, and the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. These letters seek comprehensive information on government employees who hold dual citizenship and passports.
Akhter Hossain highlighted recent observations indicating that certain corrupt government officials have been concealing their dual citizenship status and utilizing foreign passports to evade the ACC's anti-graft initiatives. These individuals reportedly use their foreign passports to reside abroad, thus avoiding legal repercussions in Bangladesh.
Hossain emphasized that such actions directly contravene Section 40 of the Government Service Act, 2018. He further noted that ongoing investigations have revealed that the primary motive for acquiring multiple passports among government employees is to obscure illegally obtained wealth and facilitate its transfer overseas.