‘Let them do it, I am ready’: Asif Mahmud on ACC graft probe

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has questioned the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) after the anti-graft body launched an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities, bribery and money laundering involving around Tk13,000 crore against him.

Reacting to the development at a press conference today (13 September), the former adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports said he was prepared for further allegations against him, while alleging that the ACC was being used for political purposes.

“If the government decides to arrest someone, there are many ways to do that. We have seen this being done against the BNP as well,” Asif Mahmud said.

He alleged that the ACC had shown little interest in investigating corruption committed during the Awami League period.

“The ACC was formed five months later, but they have no concern about the corruption during the Awami League period. I am the first political figure against whom an initiative has been taken. However, I have already made my position clear,” he said.

Asif Mahmud also alleged that an earlier complaint against him related to promotions during the BNP period had failed to gain traction.

“When they saw that it did not work, now they are bringing another one. Tomorrow they will bring another one. Let them keep doing it. I am ready,” he said.

He also questioned the independence of the ACC, saying, “When we saw that the ACC had not been reformed and the ordinance was repealed, we understood what the ACC would be used for. It was used for that reason in the past, and it will be used for the same reason in the future.”

However, Asif Mahmud said he had not yet received details of the latest allegations against him. “Specifically, I have not yet learned the details of what happened today.”

Earlier today, the commission launched an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities, bribery and money laundering involving around Tk13,000 crore against Asif Mahmud.

ACC Assistant Director Md Tanzir Ahmed of the commission’s public relations office confirmed the inquiry on Sunday (13 September).

The allegations include alleged irregularities in appointments, transfers and promotions, commissions from government tenders, embezzlement through inflated project costs and the laundering of around Tk11,000 crore to Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland.