The Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission, established by the interim government, is seeking specific, experience-based recommendations from all interested parties to transform the existing Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into a more effective, independent, and impartial institution. Individuals are requested to submit their suggestions regarding the necessary reforms to the following email address: [email protected] by 30 October 2024.

A Dhaka court today imposed a travel ban on Md Matiur Rahman, the recently removed president of the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) Customs, Excise, and VAT Appellate Tribunal, along with his wife Laila Kaniz and son Mushfiqur Rahman Ifat, over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad As-Shams Jaglul Hossain issued the order following a petition, according to Aminul Islam, assistant director (prosecution-general) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Lawyer Mir Ahammad Ali Salam represented the ACC during the hearing. Read more: Matiur removed from NBR post after goat purchase scandal On Sunday, Matiur was transferred to the Internal Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance from his NBR position amid widespread criticism and social media uproar over his son’s purchase of a goat worth Tk 15 lakh before Eid-ul-Azha. He also lost his post as a director at state-owned Sonali Bank PLC. Allegations of amassing illegal wealth surfaced after a video went viral showing Matiur’s son buying a goat for Tk 15 lakh. Matiur has since faced severe criticism over claims of acquiring illegal wealth amounting to thousands of crores in Bangladesh, with alleged investments in Singapore, the United States, Canada, and the UAE. On Sunday, the ACC also formed a three-member body to investigate these allegations. Read more: Goat Affair: Govt directive bars Matiur from participating in Sonali Bank board meeting

Amid widespread criticism and social media uproar over his son’s purchase of a goat worth Tk 15 lakh before Eid-ul-Azha, Md Matiur Rahman, President of the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) Customs, Excise, and VAT Appellate Tribunal, has been removed from his post and shifted to the Internal Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance. According to a media release signed by Mokima Begum, Deputy Secretary of the Finance Ministry, the decision to move Matiur from NBR will take effect soon. Read more: NBR brings back individual black money whitening opportunities in next budget Allegations of amassing illegal wealth surfaced after a video went viral showing Matiur’s son, Mushfiqur Rahman Ifat, buying a goat for Tk 15 lakh. Matiur has since faced severe criticism over claims of acquiring illegal wealth amounting to thousands of crores in Bangladesh, with alleged investments in Singapore, the United States, Canada, and the UAE. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formed a committee to investigate these allegations.

A Dhaka court today framed charges against Nobel laureate Dr Yunus and 13 others in a case over embezzling Tk 25.22 crore of the Grameen Telecom Workers' welfare fund. Dhaka’s Special Judge's Court-4 Judge Syed Arafat Hossain passed the order after rejecting a petition for excluding names of the accused from the charges, said the defendants’ lawyer Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun. The court also set July 15 to take testimony from the witnesses, formally beginning trial in the case, he said. Dr Yunus and the other accused are now on bail and they pleaded not guilty, demanding justice while the court was framing charges, said the lawyer. Read more: US says it will continue to encourage Bangladesh govt to ensure a fair legal process for Dr. Yunus On February 1 this year, the investigating officer of the case, ACC Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Pradhan, submitted the charge sheet against Dr. Yunus and 13 others. The court accepted the charges against them on June 2 after a hearing in this regard. The 13 other accused in the case are: Grameen Telecom MD Nazmul Islam; Director Ashraful Hasan, former MD Parveen Mahmood; Najnin Sultana, Shahjahan, Noorjahan Begum, and S. M. Hazzatul Islam Latifi, all serving as directors; along with Advocate Yusuf Ali; Advocate Zaforul Hasan Sharif; Md Kamruzzaman, President of the Union of Grameen Telecom Employees; Firoz Mahmud Hasan, General Secretary; Kamrul Hasan, office secretary of the Employees' Union office, and representative Mainul Islam. Gulshan Anwar, the Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), filed the case as the primary complainant on May 30, 2023. Read more: Law is taking its own course: Hasan Mahmud says on Dr Yunus case

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has questioned how former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members “left the country without obstruction” despite the allegations of amassing assets illegally. Speaking at a discussion on Saturday, he also said this exposes the ruling party leaders’ claims of not sparing wrongdoers as “mere eyewash and deception.” “I saw a media report that Benazir and his family went to Singapore, leaving the country on May 4. Before leaving, he emptied all his bank accounts and withdrew around Tk 60 crore. I don’t know whether the amount is much bigger,” Fakhrul said. Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul The BNP leader further said, “My question is, how did he leave the country? What is the significance of a court order to confiscate his assets and freeze his bank accounts and the Anti-Corruption Commission’s move to file a case against him? When he was told he wouldn’t be allowed to go anywhere, how did he sneak off to Singapore right under the government's nose?” He said the ruling party leaders also made remarks that no one involved in corruption would be spared. “Do they (the government) think people are stupid? They understand all these are eyewash and deceptions. You’re ruling the country by resorting to trickery.” Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, a platform of pro-BNP professionals, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said the government not only nurtured Benazir and Aziz Ahmed (former army chief) but also promoted countless corrupt individuals. He said that Awami League has turned Bangladesh into a “safe haven for plundering.” Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna “We must protect the country from it. We believe that through the struggle of the people of Bangladesh, we will defeat this monster that is wreaking havoc everywhere, establish a government of the people, and restore true democracy," the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said BNP, together with many other opposition parties, have long been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy.Stating that they must achieve victory and success in their struggle, the BNP leader said their party will never step back from its ultimate goal of establishing people’s voting rights and democracy. “Our goal remains unwavering. Strategies may change over time; we will decide that through discussions…we’re working hard to organise them all. We believe we have not failed. We have started working again. Inshallah, victory will be ours as we’re fighting on the path of truth and justice," Fakhrul observe. Law to take its own course, says Salman F Rahman about Aziz, Benazir

Sikder Group, a prominent business conglomerate in Bangladesh, has issued a statement in response to various media reports regarding a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against its directors, Rick Haque Sikder and Ron Haque Sikder. The group alleges that certain vested interest groups are conspiring to tarnish its reputation by disseminating misleading information. The statement highlights that the accusations, particularly concerning alleged money laundering involving National Bank's credit card, are unfounded. It clarifies that the Sikder Group directors lawfully utilized $9.83 million abroad through credit cards, subsequently settling the total amount, including $2.04 million in interest and charges, from their foreign earnings in accordance with Bangladesh Bank regulations. This matter was resolved two years prior, and the recent resurgence of these allegations is deemed to be maliciously motivated, the statement says. Additionally, Sikder Group explains that the credit cards in question were linked to Foreign Currency (DC) accounts, which are exempt from the standard $12,000 travel quota limit. Eid holiday: Trade activities through Benapole port to be suspended for 5 days The conglomerate emphasizes its longstanding commitment to ethical business practices both domestically and internationally. Sikder Group, founded by Freedom Fighter Zainul Haque Sikder, has made significant contributions to Bangladesh's development sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, the statement says. The group suggests that the malicious targeting has intensified following the death of its founder, Zainul Haque Sikder. It asserts that under the leadership of Rick Haque Sikder and Ron Haque Sikder, it has continued to achieve remarkable progress, despite ongoing attempts by detractors to hinder its growth. The statement condemns these actions, especially at a time when Sikder Group is endeavoring to secure foreign investment for key national projects, and calls on the public to disregard the baseless accusations circulated by these conspirators.

The High Court on Tuesday (March 19, 2024) ordered Khulna-4 MP and vice president of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Abdus Salam Murshedy to hand over his residence in Gulshan to the Housing and Public Works Ministry. The HC bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Ebadoth Hossain passed the order and asked Murshedy to complete the process within three months after receiving the copy of the verdict. The court also said that the residence in Gulshan where Salam Murshedy is living is an abandoned property of the government. Govt to guard against complacency: Hasan Mahmud Senior Advocate Mohammad Syed Ahmed stood for Murshedy, Senior Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan for Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) while deputy attorney general Saifuddin Khaled represented the state and Advocate Anik R Haque stood for the petitioner. Advocate Syed said they will file an appeal petition challenging the verdict. On October 30, 2022, Barrister Sayedul Haque Sumon filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking an inquiry into the allegations of corruption against the BFF official. According to the writ petition, the house located in Gulshan-2 was listed as the abandoned house under the gazette in 1986. But Murshedy is living there after occupying it. Three letters of the Housing and Public Works Ministry to the chairman of Rajuk issued on April 13, 2015, January 20, 2016 and July 4, 2022 were attached to the writ petition. The Housing and Public Works Ministry sought explanation from Rajuk Chairman over the occupation of the house by Murshedy . On November 1, 2022, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the inaction of the authorities concerned in taking legal steps against the AL lawmaker for occupying the house illegally, should not be declared beyond legal authority. BNP claims acting chairman's speech distorted by using AI It also asked the authorities concerned to submit all documents regarding the house to the court. On February 8 this year, the ACC in its investigation found the allegations of forgery and fraud over the house true and on the basis of information of witnesses and documents, the ACC filed a case against five people including Murshedy.

A Dhaka court on Sunday (October 8, 2023) sentenced disgraced director of International Leasing and Finance Service Ltd (ILFSL) Proshanto Kumar Halder, also known as PK Halder to 22 years’ of imprisonment in a case over amassing wealth and money laundering. Thirteen other accused in the case were sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment each. Judge of Dhaka Special Judge Court-10 Mohammad Nazrul Islam delivered the judgment. The 13 convicts included Sukumar Mridha, Anindita Mridha, Avantika Baral, Shankh Bepari, PK Halder's mother Lilavati Halder, Purnima Rani Halder, Uttam Kumar Mistri, Amitabh Adhikari, Pritish Kumar Halder, Rajib Som, Subrata Das, Anang Mohan Roy and Swapan Kumar Mistri. Read: Court fixes October 8 to deliver verdict in graft case against PK Halder, 13 others Of them, Sukumar Mridha, Anindita Mridha, Avantika Baral and Shankh Bepari were present on the dock during the delivery of the judgment. Earlier on October 4, the court set October 8 for delivering verdict upon ending arguments from the both the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the defendants. Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury, assistant director of Dhaka Integrated District Office of the ACC, filed the case against PK Haldar for acquiring around Tk 275 crore illegally on January 8, 2020. According to the case statement, PK Halder acquired wealth worth almost Tk 275 crore beyond known sources of income through illegal activities and kept them in his possession. Read: India to hand over PK Halder to Bangladesh? The ACC investigated the case and submitted a charge sheet to the court. In the charge sheet, the anti-graft watchdog accused Halder of laundering CAD 1.17 crore to Canada through illegal means. A Dhaka court framed charges against the accused on September 8, 2021. On May 13 this year, India's federal economic offences police arrested PK Halder and his two associates from the eastern state of West Bengal. He is now in an Indian jail. Read more:Trial of graft case against PK Halder begins

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an investigation into alleged irregularities, corruption and illegal amassing of assets by AKM Arif Uddin alias Arif Hasnat, Additional Director of Ports and Transport Department of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority. The anti-graft watchdog has formed a-two member inquiry committee headed by Deputy Director (investigation and inquiry-2) of the ACC Md. Hafizul Islam for fare . Another member of the team is its Assistant Director Subhash Chandra Majumder. This information was in a letter of the ACC written to the Director (Administration) of the BIWTA. The ACC’s letter, signed by ACC Deputy Director (investigation and inquiry-2) Md. Hafizul Islam, was issued on last September 3. In the letter, the ACC has asked for several important information about Narayanganj river port from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 and Dhaka river port (Sadarghat) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. New commissioner at Anti-Corruption Commission These include accounting records of revenue collections, documentary records of earned revenue deposited (including deposit slips) in the government treasury and bank statements for the specified period. Arif Uddin, currently posted at BIWTA's head office, was in charge of Dhaka and Narayanganj river ports at the time mentioned above. ACC's letter has sought details of salary and allowances drawn by Arif Uddin since joining BIWTA till June 30 this year and office orders related to the responsibilities assigned to him. ACC has also sought all records related to applications and approvals for holding business or shares in the names of Arif Uddin and his wife, children and brothers. The ACC’s letter said that a letter was sent to the BIWTA on August 3 this year seeking above information for the sake of the ongoing investigation. But the BIWTA has not given it. For this reason, the inquiry activities are being hampered, it said. Is our anti-corruption agency a cruel joke? According to the ACC, though another letter was sent to the Director (Admin) BIWTA on September 3, seeking the same information and documents by 10 am on September 8. However, it has been found that BIWTA has not sent any information to the ACC till writing this report. When contacted BIWTA Director (Administration) Wakil Nawaz told UNB that his office (BIWTA head office) did not receive any letter from the ACC, which was sent on August 3 last month. However, he acknowledged that his office has already received the second letter, which was sent on September 3. When he was asked why they (BIWTA) failed to provide the information to the ACC by September 8 this month, Wakil Newaz said he has been working on it and he hopes to provide the ACC required information very soon. Anti-Corruption Drive that raised hope in 2019 When contacted by UNB Arif Uddin denied the allegations, saying that couple of years ago same type of allegations were brought against him and finally nothing was found against him. After several years, someone brought the allegation to the ACC again against me. The ACC has been investigating the matter now. After completion of the ACC’s inquiry, the organization will take step as per its findings, said Arif, who has been also performing additional duty as Director (Land and Law) of the BIWTA.