ACC files case against Daulatpur Degree College principal for Tk3.5cr illegal wealth

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Sadiquzzaman Shumon, principal of Daulatpur Degree College and an Awami League leader, on allegations of acquiring illegal wealth worth approximately Tk3.5 crore and concealing information about his assets.

The case was filed on Sunday (22 June) by Bulbul Ahmed, assistant director of the ACC's Kushtia Integrated District Office.

Shumon is accused of using his role as principal and his political connections during the previous Awami League government to amass substantial wealth. Beyond his college duties, he allegedly misappropriated large sums through contracting work. Reports suggest he acquired assets worth crores of taka in both Daulatpur and Kushtia town.

The ACC investigation found significant discrepancies and undeclared properties in his asset declarations. According to the case statement, Shumon owns 0.05 acres of land with a house in Masterpara, Daulatpur mouza, and 1,450 acres of land in the same area.

The actual value of this land and construction was assessed at Tk2,78,94,877, though Shumon declared only Tk2,59,30,000—allegedly concealing Tk18,94,877.

He also owns 0.0687 acres of land with a house in Kalishankarpur mouza, Kushtia town. Shumon declared its value as Tk1.43 crore, but the ACC determined its actual value to be Tk1,44,30,500.

In Bajudanga mouza, Daulatpur upazila, Shumon reported a partially constructed warehouse on 0.165 acres of land as worth Tk26 lakh. However, the ACC assessed its value at Tk38,21,128.

Shumon also declared ownership of two road rollers valued at Tk28.70 lakh. The ACC, however, found he also owns one additional road roller and an excavator worth Tk51 lakh, which were not disclosed.

In total, he is accused of concealing assets worth Tk83,59,500, with a further discrepancy of Tk2,50,01,075 between declared and actual asset values.

Local sources claim that Shumon joined Daulatpur Degree College as a lecturer in the History department during the previous Awami League government. He allegedly bypassed senior teachers to become acting principal, and then principal, using political influence. Allegations include misuse of his position for corruption and irregularities to accumulate wealth.

A complaint was filed against him with the ACC in 2021, leading to the investigation.

Shumon has reportedly been in hiding since 5 August, after the fall of the Awami League government. Despite his absence from college, he is alleged to have withdrawn his salary secretly.

Syed Maidul Islam, deputy assistant director of the ACC's Kushtia Integrated District Office, confirmed the filing of the case, stating it was based on discrepancies between Shumon's submitted documents and actual findings.

The case has been sent to the District and Sessions Judge's Special Court, which will now begin the judicial process, including hearings, according to lawyer Mujahid. 

Due to Shumon being in hiding since 5 August, his statement regarding the case could not be obtained.