The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday decided to investigate the fresh allegations of money laundering, widespread irregularities and financial transactions involving transfers against former interim government adviser and National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.

The allegations include laundering a large amount of money abroad and building assets in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Swiss bank.

ACC Public Relations Department Assistant Director Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the information at the commission’s regular media briefing at its Segunbagicha headquarters in the capital in the afternoon.

Tanzir said there are allegations against Asif Mahmud over financial transactions during his tenure as an adviser in connection with the appointment of the Dhaka North City Corporation administrator, postings of Deputy Commissioners (DCs), tenders for development projects under various city corporations and the Ministry of Local Government, as well as recruitment, transfers and promotions.

“There are also allegations of embezzling money by inflating costs in rural infrastructure development, bridge construction, the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant and Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium projects,” he said.

“Allegations were made that a large amount of money was laundered abroad and assets were built in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Swiss bank,” Tanzir Ahmed said.

He said allegations have also been brought against Asif Mahmud’s father, his assistant private secretary (APS) and private officer (PO) over controlling a contractors’ syndicate, lobbying for bribe transactions and abusing power.

“After verification and scrutiny of the complaint, the commission has decided to incorporate it into the ongoing inquiry and conduct an investigation,” he said.

“You know that an allegation is already under inquiry. This complaint will be investigated by incorporating it into that ongoing inquiry,” he added.

However, Asif Mahmud denied the allegations against him, describing such accusations as a “media trial” and “character assassination”.

At a press conference titled “Allegations vs Reality” at NCP central office at Banglamotor in the afternoon, Asif Mahmud spoke about the allegations.

Asif Mahmud said, “An inquiry is being conducted against me over promotions and transfers that took place during the BNP’s time. I mean, there should be a limit even to a circus. Clearly, I am being subjected to a media trial.”

“If you find anything abroad during the investigation, just give me 10 percent. I’m struggling to get by,” Asif Mahmud said.