ACC begins graft probe against ex-adviser Asif Mahmud, three others

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption involving former Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and three other officials in connection with transfers, recruitment and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md Aktarul Islam confirmed the development today (2 September).

The complaint also names Ministry Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Zobayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary Md Masum Ahmed as allegedly involved in the irregularities.

The commission has formed a four-member inquiry team to investigate the allegations. The team is headed by ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, with Assistant Director Md Nasrullah Hossain and Deputy Assistant Directors Imran Akon and Roman Uddin as members.

According to the complaint, around Tk76 lakh was allegedly collected by cancelling the existing charges of 38 upazila youth development officers and issuing fresh posting orders.

Another allegation involves the alleged collection of Tk1.5 crore in connection with the promotion of 150 assistant upazila youth development officers. 

The complaint further alleges that additional money was collected from some officials in exchange for postings at locations of their choice, taking the alleged amount involved in the promotion and posting irregularities to around Tk2 crore.

It further alleges that a syndicate of youth development officers was involved in tender manipulation and procurement irregularities in the department and used illicit proceeds to finance a lavish lifestyle.

The ACC will investigate the allegations against the named individuals and determine whether there is evidence of corruption or other financial irregularities.