ACC investigates ex-BFIU chief, ex-CU VC for corruption
According to the complaints Masud facilitated irregularities by accepting bribes from top corrupt officials during the previous government
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations into former head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), Masud Biswas, and former vice chancellor of Chittagong University, Shireen Akhter, following various corruption allegations.
The decision, confirmed by ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam, was made today (25 September) at the ACC's head office.
Sources from the ACC said that initial findings from the agency's intelligence unit suggested substantial evidence of corruption, leading to the decision for an open investigation. Both individuals are accused of abusing their positions and amassing wealth that exceeds their known income.
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According to the ACC, Masud allegedly abused his power since taking office, accumulating vast wealth through irregularities and corruption.
He faces allegations related to suspicious activities in the purchase of aircraft for Sky Capital Airlines Limited. Instead of reporting these matters to law enforcement, he reportedly closed them off in exchange for bribes.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Tamal Parvez, chairman of NRB Commercial Bank, embezzled around Tk5,000 crore, and instead of categorising this as an intelligence report under the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019, Masud submitted it as a general observation report.
ACC officials noted that transactions in the bank account of Himadri Limited, a publicly listed company, were suspended due to irregularities and abnormal price increases. Masud allegedly ordered the suspension to be lifted in exchange for financial benefits.
Despite having confirmed information about money laundering and financial fraud involving Tanaka Group, SA Group, and Anwar Group, these cases were not sent to law enforcement agencies, allowing Masud to personally profit from them.
Additionally, it has been reported that Masud was involved in siphoning money abroad in collusion with Saiful Alam, chairman of S Alam Group, through fraudulent loans from Islami Bank.
He allegedly received unethical benefits from Abdul Kadir Mollah's Thermax Group and laundered money overseas. Furthermore, he is accused of covering up money laundering cases involving Zeenat Enterprises in exchange for bribes, leading to the acquisition of significant assets.
Meanwhile, Shireen Akhter, who served as vice chancellor of Chittagong University from 3 November 2019 until March 2024, is accused of engaging in recruitment trade and embezzling government funds.
In June, a committee formed by the University Grants Commission inspected the university to investigate corruption allegations against her.
Akhter is alleged to have accumulated illegal wealth through the abuse of her position at the university. She is accused of recruiting officials and employees in exchange for bribes ranging from Tk16-20 lakh for each position, disregarding university ordinances and policies, and appointing nearly a hundred teachers unlawfully.
On 4 June 2023, she reportedly embezzled Tk18.5 lakh by falsely claiming expenses for a seminar titled "Bangabandhu, Liberation War, and Bangladesh." Additionally, during the inauguration of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries' academic building, she allegedly misappropriated Tk44.55 lakh and claimed further expenses of Tk22.5 lakh for another meeting on the same day.
