ACC launches probe into irregular plot allocation to ex-CJ Khairul in Purbachal

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations that former chief justice ABM Khairul Haque had illegally acquired a residential plot in the Purbachal New Town Project.

As part of the probe, the ACC has sent letters today (24 July) to the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the chairman of RAJUK, and the office of the sub-registrar, requesting all relevant documents.

The matter was confirmed to reporters by ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain.

According to ACC sources, Khairul, also former chairman of the Law Commission, was initially allotted a 10-katha plot in Purbachal in 2003. However, after failing to pay the first installment of Tk6.5 lakh, RAJUK decided to cancel the allocation as per the terms.

In 2009, during the tenure of the previous government, he allegedly managed to reacquire the plot unlawfully in collusion with corrupt officials from the relevant ministries and departments.

Instead of making a fresh payment, he submitted a six-year-old cheque for the initial installment, which was never encashed.

Despite this, the plot was transferred to him after his retirement under the condition of future full payment – a move the ACC deems a violation of rules.

The ACC has opened the inquiry as part of a broader fact-finding effort into alleged irregularities involving RAJUK and officials of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, in connection with the illegal allocation of government land.

Earlier, Khairul was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

He was detained from his Dhanmondi residence around 8:30am today (24 July).