ACC finds irregularities in Nagad; Atik Morshed, his wife may be questioned
Speaking to reporters in the afternoon, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhter Hossain said the raid was prompted by allegations of irregularities in recruitment and embezzlement of Tk150 crore
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today (1 June) found preliminary evidence of irregularities in the recruitment process of Nagad during a raid at the mobile financial service provider's head office in Dhaka.
Speaking to reporters in the afternoon, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhter Hossain said the raid was prompted by allegations of irregularities in recruitment and embezzlement of Tk150 crore.
In a press release, the ACC stated that further investigation may involve questioning Atik Morshed, personal officer to CA's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and Atik's wife, Jakia Sultana Jui.
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Regarding the Tk150 crore embezzlement allegation, the ACC has requested relevant documents for verification. Officials said a comprehensive report would be submitted to the commission after analysing the records.
The officials also said all relevant information and evidence will be thoroughly examined, and legal actions will be taken accordingly.
Earlier, media reports claimed that Atik, who was also the personal assistant of National Citizen Party (NCP) chief Nahid Islam during his tenure as the posts, telecommunications, and information technology adviser, misappropriated Tk150 crore from Nagad.
Allegations were also raised that Atik and Nagad Deputy CEO Md Muiz Tasnim Taqui were jointly managing Nagad's operations, even though he holds no formal role in the organisation.
In addition, Atik was also accused of appointing his wife and close relatives to key positions within Nagad.
Atik, however, made a post on Facebook denying the allegations against him.
"There are allegations that I siphoned off Tk150 crore from Nagad. After the allegation surfaced, through the Postal Department, I sought Nagad's detailed financial reports, including operational costs and bills, for two months. We found that approximately Tk43 crore had been withdrawn in total — which includes operational expenses, salaries, rents, and vendor payments," he wrote.
He also addressed a claim that he regularly operated from Nagad's office and sat in the CEO's chair.
"This is a blatant lie. I have only visited Nagad twice — on 18 May and 20 May — for official purposes, accompanied by officials from the Postal Department. CCTV footage can easily confirm this," Atik said.
According to him, the meetings were focused on stabilising Nagad's operations and ensuring continuity. "I was present in my capacity as a ministry official," he added.
He also said, "My wife applied to Nagad based on her own merit and qualifications. The company assessed her past experience and abilities before hiring her on a conditional temporary basis."
