Dhaka: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has resolved to initiate legal proceedings against Jatiya Party Chairman Golam Mohammad Quader (GM Quader) following the discovery of corruption allegations against him. ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain informed this journalist during a formal briefing today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ACC’s investigative team uncovered significant evidence suggesting that GM Quader accepted bribes from prospective Member of Parliament nominees and exploited his party position for illicit financial gain, subsequently laundering these assets abroad. The ACC disclosed that confidential sources revealed GM Quader received bribes amounting to Taka 18.10 crore from candidates vying for the reserved seats for women of the Jatiya Party after the 11th Jatiya Sangsad elections in 2018.
Reports indicate that the primary beneficiary of these illicit funds was GM Quader, then acting chairman of the Jatiya Party. As a result, Prof Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury faced suspension from her party role for failing to comply with the financial agreement with GM Quader. Conversely, Sharifa Quader, GM Quader’s wife, secured the party nomination and subsequently assumed a Member of Parliament position.
The ACC noted that GM Quader ascended to the Jatiya Party chairmanship through fraudulent means and amassed significant wealth by manipulating party positions and nominations. These funds were allegedly siphoned off to international locations, including Singapore, London, and Sydney.
The Jatiya Party’s central committee, originally comprising 301 members, currently includes 600 to 650 individuals due to alleged “position trading.” Meanwhile, GM Quader declared assets in his wealth statement during the 12th national election of 2024, including Tk 49.88 lakh in cash, Tk 35.95 lakh in the bank, and a private jeep valued at Tk 84.98 lakh. His wife, Sharifa Quader, reported possessing Tk 59.59 lakh in cash, Tk 28.09 lakh in the bank, and a jeep worth Tk 80 lakh. Additionally, their immovable assets encompass land and flats in Lalmonirhat and Dhaka.
The investigation further revealed GM Quader’s anonymous wealth laundering activities abroad, with assets reportedly held in Singapore, London, and Sydney.