The Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a formal investigation into the allegations brought against Islamic University's former vice-chancellor Professor Shaikh Abdus Salam including corruption in teacher recruitment, mismanagement of mega development projects, and unauthorised withdrawal of institutional funds.
ACC assistant director Bulbul Ahmed Riyad, accompanied by a team of four engineers, visited the Islamic University campus to conduct an on-site inspection and gather evidence related to the alleged irregularities on Monday.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Riyad said they are investigating multiple allegations, including manipulation in faculty recruitment, submission of falsified bills, and financial misconduct in large-scale infrastructure projects.
"The issues were not properly examined earlier. Field inspections are crucial to determine the actual extent of the irregularities," he added.
ACC Assistant Director expressed his optimism to complete the investigation within one to one-and-a-half months.
The investigation followed the leak of at least 14 audio recordings—widely circulated on social media—that allegedly feature Professor Salam discussing arrangements for illegal appointments and fund disbursements in exchange for bribes. The authenticity of the recordings has not yet been independently verified, but they have triggered widespread public outcry.
In response, several petitions and formal letters demanding accountability were submitted to the office of the former Prime Minister and other relevant authorities.
Subsequently, the University Grants Commission, acting on directives from the Ministry of Education, formed a three-member inquiry committee to examine the allegations of corruption and recruitment malpractice against the former VC.
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IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali said, 'The ACC officials paid a courtesy visit to the university. Beyond formal greetings, no substantive discussions took place. The investigation is being conducted independently, and we are cooperating as required,' he added.
The ACC team inspected project sites across the campus, including newly constructed academic buildings, dormitories, and roadworks, to verify compliance with tender procedures, quality of work, and financial documentation.
This marks one of the most high-profile anti-corruption drives in Bangladesh’s higher education sector in recent years, raising renewed concerns about transparency and governance in public universities.
“Findings will be submitted to the appropriate legal authorities upon completion of the probe,” said the ACC Asst Director.