Asif Mahmud files writ challenging ACC statements against him

National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Monday filed a writ petition with the High Court (HC), seeking a directive to prevent the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) from holding further press briefings on pending probes against him.

The petition follows ACC briefings on 2 and 13 September, in which the commission said it had found “preliminary evidence” while investigating allegations of corruption against him.

Asif’s lawyer, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, filed the petition challenging the statement and the prospects of further ACC briefings in the middle of the probe.

The petition argues that such briefings violate the constitutional safeguards of dignity and reputation under Article 31 and undermine the presumption of innocence, subjecting the person under investigation to a “media trial."

It also says that making such statements at the initial stage of an investigation exceeds the legal authority of ACC officials and breaches established principles of criminal jurisprudence.

The ACC’s concerned deputy director, assistant directors, and its public relations officer have been named as respondents in the petition.

Advocate Zahirul said the briefings had affected Asif Mahmud’s personal and political reputation, particularly as he is a political figure who has announced plans to contest the upcoming Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayoral election.

Asif held a press conference on 9 September to reject the ACC’s allegations, presenting government orders and other documents in support of his position.

The following day, his lawyer sent a legal notice to the ACC, demanding the withdrawal of its 2 September statement and urging the commission to refrain from making similar public statements without verified information.