ACC launches inquiry against GM Quader on charges of taking bribes for party positions, candidacy

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry against Jatiyo Party (JaPa) Chairman GM Quader on allegations of embezzlement and laundering money obtained through bribes for party positions and candidacy.

"Quader became JaPa chairman fraudulently and earned huge sums of money by giving away party positions and candidacy inside his party, which he later laundered abroad," the ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain told reporters today (20 March).

"Although the central committee of the party consists of 301 members, around 600 to 650 people have been included in the committee, which is a proof of position business," ACC DG added.

In their complaint, the ACC said they have found preliminary proof of the allegations brought against Quader and have decided to take legal action through an open inquiry.   

The ACC complaint says that at least Tk18.10 crore was taken as bribes from Jatiyo Party candidates for the reserved seats for women during the 11th parliamentary election in 2018.

ACC alleged that the prime beneficiary of this financial scheme was Quader, who was the acting chairman of the party at that time.

ACC findings said that a party leader named Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury was "suspended from the party for not paying the money as per the agreement", and Quader's wife Sharifa Quader became MP in her place.

About Quader's illegal wealth, ACC said in their allegations that according to Quader's election affidavit submitted during the 12th parliamentary election in 2024, he has Tk49.88 lakh in cash, Tk35.95 lakh in banks, and a jeep car worth Tk84.98 lakh.

Quader's wife Sharifa has Tk59.59lakh in cash, Tk28.09 lakh in banks and a jeep car worth Tk80 lakh in her possessions, ACC findings added.

Quader has amassed huge wealth in his own name and anonymously in countries like Singapore, UK and Australia, ACC alleged.