'We aren't working targeting anyone': ACC secretary on Asif Mahumd probe
“We are not conducting any case under anyone’s influence or with any ulterior motive,” says the ACC secretary.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that it is not targeting the interim government's former adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain in its investigation into allegations of corruption against him.
"We are not targeting anyone. We are working according to our pending list. You will see in the coming days that we are not conducting our activities with any bias," ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan told reporters today (14 September).
His remarks came a day after the ACC confirmed that it launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering against Asif, who oversaw the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry and the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the interim government's tenure.
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Asked whether complaints had been filed against any other former advisers, Saidur replied, "I cannot say at this moment. If a complaint has been filed, that person will also come under the law."
Regarding Asif's allegations that the ACC was being politically used against him, the secretary said the commission is an autonomous institution. "We are not conducting any case under anyone's influence or with any ulterior motive.
"We are carrying out our activities fairly and in accordance with the law," he said.
The ACC has launched an inquiry into allegations that Asif illegally acquired around Tk13,000 crore and laundered Tk11,000 crore to four countries.
The allegations claim Tk4,500 crore was sent to Dubai, Tk3,000 crore to Singapore, Tk2,000 crore to Australia, and Tk1,500 crore to Switzerland.
The former adviser has also been accused of embezzling money by inflating the cost of the Sheikh Russell Mini Stadium project by Tk1,200 crore.
The allegations include acquiring money through bribes, financial irregularities in development projects, commissions, tender manipulation, transfers, and promotions.
However, the allegations have not been established. The ACC's inquiry will determine their veracity, the roles of the individuals involved, and the source and movement of the allegedly laundered funds.
