ACC launches inquiry against ex-APS, PO of Advisers Asif, Nurjahan
The two people under the ACC scanner are Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan’s former APS Md Moazzem Hossain and Tuhin Farabi, PO to Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum
Highlights:
- Moazzem Hossain, ex-APS of Asif Mahmud, under ACC scanner
- Tuhin Farabi, PO of Nurjahan Begum, also faces ACC inquiry
- Complaint alleges lobbying, appointments, transfers for money by them
- Adviser Asif requested ACC probe against his former APS
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into the allegations of corruption against a former assistant private secretary (APS) and personal officer (PO) of two advisers of the interim government.
ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain disclosed the information while talking to reporters at the commission headquarters in Dhaka today (4 May).
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The two people under the ACC scanner are Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan's former APS Md Moazzem Hossain and Tuhin Farabi, PO to Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum.
Farabi is also a student representative.
In response to a question, Akhtar said, "The ACC has decided to launch an open inquiry against the APS and PO of two advisers, and one former coordinator of Students Against Discrimination."
However, he did not disclose the name of the former coordinator.
Earlier, some media reports implicated Moazzem and Farabi in alleged corruption. Three Supreme Court lawyers also filed a complaint with the ACC on 26 April, seeking an investigation into alleged corruption against the two.
According to the complaint, Moazzem has been accused of lobbying and facilitating appointments and transfers in exchange for money. Similar allegations have been made against Farabi and Dr Mahmudul Hasan, who allegedly assisted in placing doctors, engineers, and other officials in key government positions through lobbying efforts.
The complaint also cited reports published in newspapers, claiming the accused individuals were involved in lobbying various ministries and departments, including local government, home, health, water resources, public works, and roads and highways.
It further alleged that they accepted and facilitated bribes in the process.
On 27 April, ACC Director General Akhtar told reporters, "The allegations involving the two assistants to advisers have come to our attention. We are actively working on the matter. Our intelligence unit is already conducting investigations.
"We will take necessary actions in accordance with ACC laws and regulations regarding the APS and PO in question."
Meanwhile, Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan addressed the issue in a Facebook post last week, stating, "I have requested the ACC to investigate the allegations against former APS Moazzem. Whether the claims are baseless or true will be revealed through the investigation."
He added that he trusts the ACC's investigation will uncover the truth.
