ACC Seeks Information on Assets and Bank Accounts of Former Adviser Asif Mahmud

The ACC has sent a letter to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) requesting the information. The letter, signed by ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, was sent on Thursday, according to ACC sources.

 

The commission asked the BFIU to provide details of movable and immovable assets held in Bangladesh and abroad by Asif Mahmud, his wife and individuals, organisations or companies linked to their interests. It also requested documents related to alleged money laundering.

 

According to the ACC, its records contain allegations against Asif Mahmud involving the acquisition of illegal assets, the formation of companies in Bangladesh, obtaining foreign citizenship, money laundering and other alleged irregularities and corruption. The information request is part of the commission's inquiry into those allegations.

 

The ACC has requested information on accounts held by the individuals concerned and their associated persons, organisations or companies at banks and non-bank financial institutions in Bangladesh. The requested information includes bank accounts, savings and current accounts, debit and credit cards, lockers, loans, savings certificates, fixed deposits and DPS accounts, along with related transaction records.

 

The inquiry is also focusing on possible overseas investments and bank accounts. The ACC letter referred to allegations involving the purchase of land, money laundering and the establishment of shell companies in Portugal, Australia, Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland.

 

The commission has asked the BFIU to take steps, through financial intelligence agencies in those countries, to verify whether Asif Mahmud or individuals, organisations or companies linked to him have investments, bank accounts or assets there.

 

Earlier, the ACC launched an inquiry against Asif Mahmud and three others over alleged irregularities in the recruitment, promotion and transfer of officials and employees while he was in charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. As part of that inquiry, the commission also sought relevant records from the ministry covering appointments, promotions and transfers during his tenure.

 

The ACC said it decided to conduct the inquiry after determining that the allegations received against Asif Mahmud warranted further examination.

 

On September 13, the commission decided to investigate additional allegations against him. These include alleged irregularities involving appointments to Dhaka North and South City corporations, the posting of deputy commissioners in different districts, tender processes, development projects under the Ministry of Local Government, bribery and money laundering.

 

The new allegations also include claims that a large amount of money was transferred abroad. The ACC, however, has clarified that the claims regarding money laundering and overseas assets are allegations made by complainants and have not been established. The commission is investigating the allegations to determine their veracity.