ACC launches probe against ex-MPs Sadek Khan, Golam Faruk, VC Munaz Ahmed

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation by former MPs Sadek Khan and Golam Faruk Khondaker Prince, as well as former vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University Prof Munaz Ahmed Noor. 

The probe will examine their involvement in corruption and the acquisition of both domestic and foreign assets, said an ACC official today.

Sadek Khan, former MP of Dhaka-13 constituency, is accused of amassing illegal wealth through abuse of power. 

After becoming an MP, Khan allegedly acquired properties by grabbing Hindu-owned land in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area, according to ACC sources.  

The properties include Sadek Khan Chicken Market, Sadek Khan Dry Fish Market, Sadek Khan Brick Market, Sadek Khan Sand Market, and a petrol pump.

Khan's submitted election affidavit lists assets worth approximately Tk1.41 crore, including non-agricultural land, apartments, vehicles, and joint property. His wife owns a car valued at Tk39.5 lakhs, land worth Tk1.12 crore, and other assets.

Sources said the actual amount of wealth amassed through irregularities and in the names of his family members is far greater than that disclosed. 

Preliminary intelligence reports indicate that Khan has accumulated substantial undisclosed assets both at home and abroad through corruption.

Former MP Golam Faruk Khondaker Prince of Pabna-5 constituency is similarly accused of acquiring wealth illegally through misuse of power. 

According to his election affidavit, Faruk's assets increased dramatically during his three terms in parliament, from almost Tk48 lakhs in 2008 to Tk7.5 crore in 2023.

Faruk reportedly holds Tk3.6 crore in bank deposits, investments in shares worth Tk4 lakhs, and savings certificates valued at Tk3 crore. 

Additionally, he has purchased buses, trucks, and other vehicles worth Tk77 lakhs. He is also alleged to have significant properties abroad, sources said.

Prof Munaz Ahmed Noor, the former vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University, is facing allegations of corruption and irregularities related to the establishment of a data lab at the university. 

The lab, which cost Tk5.9 crore, was installed before official approval for the programme it was meant to support had been obtained from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

An investigation revealed that the project was awarded to "JV of BMIT Solutions Ltd" in partnership with "I Threesixty Bangladesh Ltd" without proper pre-evaluation. Sources claim that the project's allocation was not adequately assessed for its cost-effectiveness.

ACC sources have confirmed that preliminary findings in these cases appear credible, leading to the commission's decision to conduct an open investigation into their assets.