ACC to probe fresh allegations against Asif Mahmud

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to incorporate a fresh set of allegations, including tender manipulation, bribery, irregularities and money laundering, against National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson and former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain into its ongoing investigation.
ACC Assistant Director for Public Relations Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the decision at the commission’s regular media briefing at its Segunbagicha headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday.
He said the commission would not open a separate investigation into the fresh allegations but would examine them as part of its existing inquiry. 
According to the complaint, the allegations include financial transactions linked to the appointment of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator, postings of deputy commissioners (DCs), development project tenders, and appointments, transfers and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The complaint alleges that around Tk60 crore was transacted in connection with the appointment of the DNCC administrator, while Tk2 crore to Tk10 crore was allegedly transacted for the postings of 36 DCs across the country.
It also alleges that Asif Mahmud was involved in tender manipulation at Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Narayanganj City Corporation and Cumilla City Corporation.
According to the complaint, commissions ranging from 10% to 30% were allegedly taken from tenders for various development projects under the Ministry of Local Government.

The complaint further alleges that project costs were inflated in rural infrastructure and bridge construction schemes, as well as in the third phase of the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant and Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium projects.
“There are also allegations of embezzling money by inflating costs in rural infrastructure development, bridge construction, the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant and Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium projects,” Tanzir Ahmed said.
Tk11,000cr laundering allegation
The complaint also alleges that Tk11,000 crore was laundered to four countries — Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland.
According to the allegations, Tk4,500 crore was allegedly sent to Dubai, Tk3,000 crore to Singapore, Tk2,000 crore to Australia and Tk1,500 crore to Switzerland.
The complaint alleges that the money was used to purchase luxury villas and invest in businesses abroad. It also mentions alleged land purchases in Portugal, investments in a Dubai-based business group and deposits in Swiss banks.
The ACC official said the complaint contained allegations that a large amount of money had been laundered abroad and assets accumulated in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland.
The complaint also raises questions over the allocation of Tk453 crore for a rural infrastructure development project in Muradnagar, Asif Mahmud’s home upazila.
Further allegations have been brought against Asif Mahmud’s father, Bellal Hossain, his assistant private secretary (APS) Moazzem Hossain and personal officer (PO) Mahfuzul Alam Bhuiyan.
They have allegedly been involved in controlling contractors’ syndicates, soliciting bribes and abusing their positions, according to the complaint.
The ACC said the allegations had been scrutinised and would now be investigated as part of the existing inquiry.
“After verification and scrutiny of the complaint, the commission has decided to incorporate it into the ongoing inquiry and conduct an investigation,” Tanzir said.
The commission has stressed that the allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven.
Asif rejects allegations

Asif Mahmud rejected the allegations, describing the proceedings as a “media trial” and “character assassination”.
Speaking at a press conference titled ‘Allegations vs Reality’ at the NCP central office in Banglamotor on Sunday afternoon, he said the allegations were politically motivated.
“An inquiry is being conducted against me over promotions that took place during the BNP government’s tenure. I mean, there should be a limit even to a circus. Clearly, I am being subjected to a media trial,” Asif said.
“If you find anything abroad during the investigation, just give me 10%. I’m struggling to get by,” he added.
Asif also questioned the allegations concerning money allegedly sent abroad and said he was prepared to face the investigation.