ACC launches probe into extortion video shared by Hasnat Abdullah
Once he [Hasnat] knows the actual story of what actually happened, he will realise his mistake, says the ACC DG
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into an alleged extortion video clip posted on social media by the National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah.
The video, which accuses certain individuals of misusing the ACC's name to demand bribes, was shared on Hasnat's verified Facebook page.
Speaking to journalists at the ACC headquarters today (26 June), the commission's Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain confirmed the initiation of the investigation.
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"We have decided to investigate the video clip posted by NCP leader, which mentions the ACC in connection with extortion," he said.
Akhtar added that two separate general diaries have been filed with police stations against the fraud gang accused of impersonating ACC officials.
"We are treating those complaints seriously and are actively working to identify and apprehend the group involved. Once they are caught, the full truth behind the incident will be revealed," he said.
When asked whether any ACC official was connected to the alleged extortion, the director general (DG) said that strict action would be taken if any internal involvement is found.
"We will also investigate how Mahmuda Mitu was allegedly trapped by the fraud gang," he said, referring to the woman mentioned in Hasnat's post.
Responding to another query about Hasnat Abdullah's allegations, Akhtar stated, "I believe that once he knows the actual story of what actually happened, he will realise his mistake."
On 24 June night, Hasnat posted a Facebook status, attached with three video clips, claiming, "In independent Bangladesh, ACC's tea bill is Tk1 lakh."
He alleged that although there were no formal allegations of corruption against a person, ACC clearance was being offered in exchange for Tk1 lakh.
In the post he wrote, "Recently, Mahamuda Mitu was asked for this money by someone in the name of ACC's DG Akhtar and his deputy. She was told, 'You are a doctor, you shouldn't have any shortage of money — just pay Tk1 lakh and get the clearance'."
Following widespread media coverage, the ACC issued a statement, signed by Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam, clarifying that no ACC official was involved in such misconduct.
