The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought detailed information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) about the bank accounts, assets and financial transactions of former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.
The move is part of an ACC inquiry into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, formation of domestic and foreign companies, and obtaining foreign citizenship, among other irregularities.
The commission sent a letter to the BFIU director on Thursday, asking for information on Asif Mahmud and individuals and entities allegedly linked to him, ACC officials said.
The ACC has asked the financial intelligence agency to collect information from banks and non-bank financial institutions under Bangladesh Bank, including details of bank accounts, credit and debit cards, cash holdings, bonds, shares, fixed deposits, deposit pension schemes, loans and repaid loans.
It also sought information on assets and financial transactions allegedly held or carried out abroad.
The letter specifically mentions the United States, Australia, Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland, and asks for records relating to alleged property purchases, financial transactions and the formation of shell companies in those jurisdictions.
The BFIU has been requested to collect the information from its member institutions and provide the relevant records to ACC investigators, according to the letter.
The commission also sought information on the investments, bank accounts and other financial activities of people and organisations allegedly associated with Asif Mahmud.
ACC officials said information had also been sought on one person described as a member of Asif Mahmud’s family.
The ACC’s latest move comes amid several inquiries involving the former adviser.
On 2 September, the commission began an inquiry into alleged irregularities and corruption at the Ministry of Youth and Sports involving Asif Mahmud and three others.
On 13 September, the ACC said it had also launched an inquiry into allegations of financial transactions involving recruitment, transfers and postings, as well as alleged money laundering abroad, involving Asif Mahmud.
The commission later decided to bring the latest allegations under the ongoing inquiry, officials said.
On 15 September, ACC Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan said the commission would seek information from countries where money laundering had allegedly taken place, if necessary.
“The allegations against Asif Mahmud are not fabricated,” he said.
According to the ACC letter, an investigation team has been formed to examine the allegations against Asif Mahmud and submit a report.
