The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of influence-peddling and commission-based corruption against three individuals, including former aides to two advisers of the interim government and a former leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP).
At a press briefing on Sunday, ACC Director General (Investigation) Akhtar Hossain confirmed that a public inquiry has begun against Md Moazzem Hossain, former assistant private secretary (APS) to Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain; Tuhin Farabi, former personal officer to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum; and Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, former joint member secretary of the NCP.
All three have been accused of leveraging their positions to broker appointments and secure lucrative tenders in exchange for personal gain.
The investigation comes on the heels of social media criticisms by many and protests by several organisations, including the Jubo Adhikar Parishad on April 27, which demanded swift action from the ACC.
The commission’s intelligence unit initially began an inquiry into the trio’s dealings but moved to a week-long public investigation.
Moazzem and Tuhin were allegedly involved in extensive lobbying operations, including facilitating transfers and postings in exchange for payments. Although both were previously active in the anti-discrimination movement, they, however, have since been removed from their posts following the corruption allegations, or resigned.
Tanvir, on the other hand, has been linked to irregularities in the recruitment of deputy commissioners and in a Tk 400 crore tender process at the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB).
Following the accusations, the NCP relieved him from all party-related activities.
Meanwhile, NCP Joint Convener Monira Sharmin stated that the party’s internal disciplinary committee is investigating the matter. “We are committed to taking action against anyone found guilty. Allegations tied to controversial conduct will be thoroughly examined,” she told Deutsche Welle.
Tanvir has denied the allegations to the portal, claiming they stem from a smear campaign orchestrated by vested interests.
“There is no evidence that I was involved,” he claimed, referring to viral WhatsApp chats that triggered the initial scrutiny. He also rejected claims of financial wrongdoing in the NCTB tender, saying he merely advocated for fair paper access and has no financial ties to the transaction.
“I have already filed a defamation case over misleading reporting,” Tanvir added, noting he plans to respond formally to the party’s show-cause notice.
While Moazzem has claimed he resigned voluntarily to pursue a permanent government job, reports of his removal surfaced shortly after the corruption accusations came to light.
The ACC states it will follow due process in determining the merit of each case and take further action based on evidence gathered during the inquiry.