ACC to launch inquiry against former minister Shahjahan, four ex-MPs

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into former Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan and four ex-lawmakers Mostafizur Rahman Fizar, Asim Kumar Ukil, Apu Ukil, and Jannat Ara Henry, over allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation.

ACC Secretary Khorseda Yasmin confirmed the matter to The Business Standard today.

Among them, Shahjahan Khan, an MP from the Madaripur-2 constituency, was previously summoned by the ACC in 2014 over allegations related to irregularities in plot allocation and the accumulation of illegal assets. 

His affidavit for the 11th parliamentary election revealed substantial wealth, including two cars, 96 bhori of gold belonging to his wife, two buses, an SUV, a microbus, and a 10-katha plot of land from Rajuk, registered under his wife's name.

Similarly, Asim Kumar Ukil, former MP of Netrakona-3 constituency, and his wife Apu Ukil, MP of reserved women's constituency, are under scrutiny for allegedly amassing illegal wealth. The couple reportedly owns 14 rental flats in Dhaka's Uttara, three flats in Dhanmondi, and an upscale house in Kendua municipality, Netrakona.

Ex-minister Mostafizur Rahman Fizar, an MP from the Dinajpur-5 constituency, is also under investigation. His affidavit lists a house in Dinajpur city, a multi-story building in his constituency, a farmhouse, and 20 acres of land in his wife's name. Additionally, Fizar reportedly owns separate vehicles for his wife, daughter, and brother, along with another farmhouse on 24 acres of land in Shivnagar Union of Dinajpur.

Jannat Ara Henry, former MP of Sirajganj-2 constituency, faced accusations of amassing illegal assets valued at hundreds of crores of taka. During the 2020-21 fiscal year alone, she reportedly legalised Tk32 crore of undisclosed money. Her alleged wealth includes substantial assets in Sirajganj, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Patuakhali, and Dhaka.

Ex-PM's deputy press secy Khokon under ACC scanner

The ACC has also decided to investigate Ashraful Alam Khokon, the former Deputy Press Secretary to ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over allegations of illegal wealth accumulation through trading political posts. 

Khokon is accused of misusing his position to benefit financially from business organisations such as Max Group and Nagad, participating in illegal VoIP operations, and being involved in gold and currency smuggling syndicates. 

ACC seeks DB Harun's info from various offices

The ACC expanded its ongoing investigations by seeking information on former Detective Branch (DB) chief Harun-or-Rashid. 

According to ACC sources, letters were dispatched today from the ACC head office to various institutions, including Bangladesh Bank, the Sub-Registry Office, the Passport Office, the Election Commission, and over 50 other organisations.

ACC to investigate Hasina's peon Jahangir

Additionally, the ACC has initiated an investigation into Md Jahangir Alam, a former personal assistant (peon) to ex-PM Hasina, who is reported to have amassed Tk400 crore.

The ACC's Public Relations Office confirmed that Jahangir allegedly used his position to exert influence in Noakhali politics, including recruitment, transfers, and other lobbying activities.

In his bid to contest the Noakhali-1 seat in the 12th parliamentary elections, Jahangir submitted an affidavit declaring ownership of immovable and movable assets totaling Tk21 crore. His wife, Kamrun Nahar, is reported to have assets worth Tk7.3 crore.