The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is going to take legal action against officials of the Rural Electrification Board who were behind a threat to abstain from work and even shutdown electricity in their areas to realise their demands. ACC documents seen by UNB show that it asked five officials of various Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) units under the Rural Electrification Board (REB) to face interrogation. The five officials are - Humayun Kabir, DGM of Barisal PBS-1; Asaduzzaman Bhuiya, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Brahmanbaria PBS; Samiul Kabir and Bipasha Islam, Deputy General Manager (technical) of Manikganj unit, Rajon Kumar Das, Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Munshiganj PBS. ACC on Thursday formed a three-member team headed by assistant director Shahidur Rahman for the purpose. The other two members are assistant director Papon Kumar Saha and deputy assistant director Mohammed Shahjalal ACC sues ex-chairman of Samabay Bank Mohiuddin Ahmed, wife ACC also said it received an allegation of earning illegal money against Humyaun Kabir from the investigation and inquiry unit of REB, which was filed by the proprietor of Khan Traders Masud Khan. Humayun Kabir is one of the coordinators of an Anti-Discrimination Movement inside PBS. The complaint said Humayun Kabir raised more than TK 225 crore to destabilise the political situation, aiming to embarrass the interim government. The complaint also states that the coordinators of the so-called movement inside the various PBS units have an ill-motive for the nationalisation of employees who are currently working on the master roll basis. On Thursday, ACC issued a letter to Humayun Kabir, as well as the DGM of Brahmanbaria PBS Asaduzzaman Bhuiya, to come before it to face interrogation on October 27, while the other three - Samiul Kabir, Bipasha Islam and Rajon Kumar Das - have been summoned to appear on October 28. Earlier, a section of officials from various PBS units under the REB issued a stark ultimatum, threatening a “complete shutdown” following the termination and arrest of key officials across several districts. The officials are demanding the immediate reinstatement of the 10 terminated PBS executives and the release of those arrested, giving authorities 24 hours to meet their demands. They have also called for the removal of the REB chairman within the same timeframe, warning that failure to comply will result in a "Long March Towards Dhaka,"in the form of a mass protest involving tens of thousands of PBS employees. The threat was made in a statement from the PBS Anti-discrimination Movement, signed by its four coordinators: Abdul Hakim, Md Salahuddin, Mohammad Asaduzzaman Bhuiya, and Rajon Kumar Das. “Some 45,000 staff of the PBSs will be forced to go for a long march if the two-point demand is not met,” the statement emphasised. The controversy erupted after the REB terminated 10 senior officials from different PBS units, accusing them of destabilising the power sector, which is considered an essential service. The terminations also cited allegations of insubordination and involvement in activities that violated the organisation's disciplinary codes. Additionally, a working inspector from Noakhali PBS was relieved of his duties. Among those dismissed are officials from various regions: Zakir Hossain, Senior General Manager of Cumilla PBS-4; Asaduzzaman Bhuiya, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Brahmanbaria PBS; Rajon Kumar Das, Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Munshiganj PBS; Manir Hossain, AGM of Netrokona PBS; Dipak Kumar Sinha, DGM of Cumilla PBS-1; Abdul Hakim, AGM of Dhaka PBS-1; Md Salauddin, AGM of Dhaka PBS-2; Md Rahat, DGM of Magura PBS; Md Zakir Hossain, Senior GM of Cumilla PBS-4; and Humayun Kabir, DGM of Barisal PBS-1.  

Former Director General (DG) of Postal Department Sudhanshu Shekhar Bhadra was arrested on Tuesday night. Md Akhtarul Islam, public relations officer of the anti-graft watchdog, confirmed the matter, saying that ACC deputy assistant director Nazir Akanda, in association with detectives, arrested him. A process was underway to produce him before a Dhaka court, he said. Earlier on August 20, the ACC filed a case against him. Read: ACC approves case against former Postal Department officials over alleged corruption in govt project According to the case statement, an agreement was signed with the state-owned Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS) to purchase 500 HPE ML-30 servers and other electronic goods, including UPS, under the 'Post-e-Center' project of the postal department. The government money has been misused violating Section 23 of the Public Finance and Budget Management Act, 2009 by purchasing servers and UPS for the allocated Tk 15 crore 11 lakh 42 thousand of the agreement, it reads.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against five individuals, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, for allegedly obtaining a second passport through forgery, bypassing the required no objection certificate (NOC) from the police department. The case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam at the commission's integrated district office in Dhaka, ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed to UNB. Benazir's family accounts show 'abnormal, suspicious' transactions right after ACC investigation made public The other accused in the case are former Director of the Dhaka Division Passport Office, Mohammad Fazlul Haque, former Director Munshi Muyeed Ikram, current Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, and Technical Manager of the e-Passport and Automated Border Control Project, Sahena Haque. Benazir Ahmed, who previously held senior positions such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at Police Headquarters, Additional IGP, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), is accused of applying for machine readable passports (MRP) and e-passports without obtaining the necessary departmental clearance. Despite being in police service, he allegedly declared his profession as "private service" on the applications. Benazir's Rupganj property worth Tk 10cr seized According to the ACC, the accused officials, fully aware of Benazir Ahmed’s true identity and official status, knowingly facilitated the process by approving both an ordinary passport and an official e-passport without proper verification. This misconduct is being prosecuted under several sections of the Penal Code. Additionally, they are charged under section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973. This case follows a recent ACC asset declaration notice served to Benazir Ahmed and his family.  

A delegation of the European Union on Tuesday pledged to assist Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to recover the country’s stolen assets and money from Europe. They came up with the assurance during a meeting with ACC at its headquarters in the city, ACC spokesperson (deputy director) Aktraul Islam told UNB. The delegation members are Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Michal KREJZA, Programme Manager of Inclusive Governance Pablo PADIN PEREZ, Nader Tanja and KISHOWER Amin. At the meeting, the delegation was informed about the activities of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Aktraul Islam said that there was a detailed discussion on EU’s support to Bangladesh to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission, especially in the field of prevention of money laundering and recovery of stolen assets. The collaboration aims to bolster Bangladesh’s efforts in tackling corruption and improving governance, marking a significant step in the ongoing fight against financial misconduct.    

The 2024 ACC Women's Asia Cup Tournament starts this month. Sri Lanka will host this T20I tournament, consisting of 15 matches. Eight teams are participating in this contest. Let’s look at the fixtures, teams, and schedules of the 2024 Women's T20I Asia Cup tournament. Participating Teams and Groups The 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup tournament will be played by eight teams, divided into two groups. The teams in Group A are India, Nepal, Pakistan, and United Arab Emirates, while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand are in Group B. Group A Group B India, Nepal, Pakistan, and UAE Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand . The four full members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, have been automatically qualified for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024.  Besides, the finalists (Malaysia and UAE) and semi-finalists (Nepal and Thailand) from the 2024 ACC Women's Premier Cup will join the tournament.  Read more: Bangladeshi players' performance in foreign cricket leagues: Updates from LPL and MLC Fixtures of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 Table: Match Schedules of Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 (Time Adjusted to BST) Stage Date (BST) Time Teams Venue Group July 19, 2024 (Friday) 2.30 PM UAE vs Nepal (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 19, 2024 (Friday) 7.30 PM India vs Pakistan (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 20, 2024 (Saturday)  2.30 PM Malaysia vs Thailand (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 20, 2024 (Saturday)  7.30 PM Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 21, 2024 (Sunday)  2.30 PM India vs UAE (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 21, 2024 (Sunday)  7.30 PM Pakistan vs Nepal (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 22, 2024 (Monday)  2.30 PM Sri Lanka vs Malaysia (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 22, 2024 (Monday)  7.30 PM Bangladesh vs Thailand (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 23, 2024 (Tuesday)  2.30 PM Pakistan vs UAE (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 23, 2024 (Tuesday)  7.30 PM India vs Nepal (Group A) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 24, 2024 (Wednesday)  2.30 PM Bangladesh vs Malaysia (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Group July 24, 2024 (Wednesday)  7.30 PM Sri Lanka vs Thailand (Group B) Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Semi-Final 1 July 26, 2024 (Friday)  2.30 PM TBD vs TBD Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Semi-Final 2 July 26, 2024 (Friday)  7.30 PM TBD vs TBD Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka Final July 28, 2024 (Sunday) 7.30 PM TBD vs TBD Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka . Read more: BCB uncertain about Mushtaq Ahmed's role as long-term spin bowling coach Conclusion Starting on July 19, the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup tournament will end on July 28. The tournament will be played in the round-robin and knockout format. Therefore, each team will play with other teams. The current champion, India, will enter the tournament as a favorite. However, Bangladesh is expected to try to regain the title they won in 2018. Read more: BCB announces women's cricket team for ACC Women's Asia Cup 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.

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.

Distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Professor Dr. Mustafizur Rahman has said that the government and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should investigate how the assets of MPs have increased manifold. He said this at a view exchange meeting on the contemporary economic situation of Bangladesh organized by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at Paltan in the capital today (Tuesday). The CPD fellow said, “I was surprised to see the rate of increase in wealth in the affidavits of the candidates in the 12th parliament elections. Where a plot of land costs Tk 1.0 crore; shown taka one lakh.” Even then, wealth increases hundreds of times, then what is the real picture? “Seeing this, it is not clear how much wealth has actually increased,” Prof Mustafiz raised question. Hasan Mahmud tears into CPD: 'Not genuine research' He said that in the affidavit of the candidates, the properties of many have increased hundreds of times. It is interesting to see how such a huge amount of wealth has grown in such a short time. “Those properties have increased so much, the government and their party should ask to know the source of these properties. At the same time, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) should find the source of their assets,” said Prof Mustfiz. He said that mismanagement of the banking sector, corruption, money laundering, everything is created by a 'dishonest cycle’. He said that defaulted loans are increasing, and some banks have also fallen into disaster due to providing aggressive loans. “It is Bangladesh Bank’s main responsibility to control this. They should be allowed to work independently either state or anyone can't interfere here, this must be ensured by the state,” he said. Over Tk 92,000 crore siphoned from banking sector via scams since 2008: CPD “Now the issue of merger of financially weak banks has been mentioned many times before. For this, legal weaknesses and regulations need to be fixed. Because the banking sector is the blood of the economy. The problem of this sector falls on the whole economy,” he pointed out. He said that a large amount of money has to be provisioned by the bank against default. This means that the money is not able to participate in the economy, it is lying in the bank. “By this, the bank's ability to give loans is decreasing and the income is decreasing,” he added. Dr. Mustafiz said that suppose banks are paying interest against a deposit of Tk100, but the bank is able to give a loan of Tk80 out of Tk100. That means the loan interest rate has to increase, this again affects investment. Regarding US sanctions, he said, America imposes trade restrictions (sanctions) for their own benefit. “If necessary, contracts with countries like Venezuela. Therefore, it should be emphasized that they do not get the opportunity to sanction without paying attention to whether they will sanction or not. We must ensure the wages and rights of our workers,” he suggested. Govt acting against clean energy transition, increasing dependency on coal and LNG: CPD “The government has brought the garment industry to this level by providing various facilities. The world market of clothing is $700 billion. We have export potential. There is no other sector as big as this. Exports need to be diversified, go to new markets.” There is still an opportunity to occupy a large part of this market, for that Bangladesh needs to modernize more. He suggested emphasizing the export of the leather sector and pharmaceuticals. The global markets have a potential future for those products. ERF’s general secretary Abul Kashem moderated the program while President Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha presided over it.