ACC to launch inquiry into Sheikh Hasina’s foreign trip expenditures, doctorate degrees
Sheikh Hasina allegedly obtained fraudulent doctorate degrees from various universities using state funds for lobbying efforts
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into allegations of misusing state funds for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's foreign travels and the achievements of doctorate degrees.
ACC Director General (prevention) Akhter Hossain confirmed the decision at a briefing in Segunbagicha today (6 February).
According to Akhter Hossain, Sheikh Hasina frequently rented Biman Bangladesh Airlines planes for her foreign travels using government funds. She reportedly traveled with large entourages throughout her 16-year tenure as prime minister, attending nearly every UN General Assembly session in New York. In 2015, she took a delegation of 227 people to the 70th General Assembly and the UN Special Summit on Sustainable Development. The previous year, in 2014, her entourage numbered 178, and in 2013, it was 134.
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ACC sources said between 2019 and mid-2024, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated 48 VVIP flights, costing the state approximately Tk250 crore. Of this, Sheikh Hasina's travels accounted for Tk200 crore. On 18 September 2021, she departed for New York on a Biman VVIP flight (BG-1902) from Helsinki's Vantaa International Airport.
Biman insiders claim that an additional Tk7 crore in foreign exchange was spent on the entourage's expenses, including a two-day landing charge, instead of opting for a direct Dhaka-New York route.
As of 2023, Biman reportedly owes the government Tk50 crore.
Additionally, the ACC is investigating allegations that Sheikh Hasina obtained fraudulent doctorate degrees from various universities using state funds for lobbying efforts, said the ACC director general.
Some of the alleged institutions include Tripura University in India, the Catholic University of Brussels in Belgium, and Visva-Bharati University in India.
Akhtar Hossain said many of these degrees and honours were acquired at a high cost or in exchange for agreements that may have compromised national interests.
Based on intelligence reports and an extensive review, the ACC has decided to conduct a formal and public inquiry into these matters, the ACC official stated.
