ACC launches probe into alleged irregularities in AL's Tk332cr Rose Garden purchase
In 2018, the then Awami League government purchased the privately owned, heritage-listed mansion
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of irregularities in the Awami League government's purchase of the historic Rose Garden Palace in Old Dhaka in 2018.
ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
According to the allegation, the acquisition of the palace, widely regarded as the birthplace of the now-banned Awami League, caused a financial loss of Tk332 crore to the government.
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ACC sources said businessman Hrishikesh Das built the garden mansion in 1931 on around 22 bighas of land, embellishing the surroundings with rare species of roses brought from different countries.
This unique feature earned it the name "Rose Garden". In 1936, Das sold the property to Khan Bahadur Maulvi Kazi Abdur Rashid, a prominent book trader in Dhaka, who went on to establish the Provincial Library on the premises.
On 23 June 1949, the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League was formed at the Rose Garden. In 1955, the word "Muslim" was dropped from the name, and the party became the East Pakistan Awami League.
In 2018, the then Awami League government purchased the privately owned, heritage-listed mansion.
According to official documents, the acquisition cost the government Tk331.70 crore.
