Ex-ministers Gazi, Sharif, 5 others under ACC scanner

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into seven individuals, including former Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former Cabinet Secretary Kabir Bin Anwar, and three former parliament members (MPs), over allegations of power abuse, irregularities, and corruption.

The decision was made during the commission's meeting yesterday, ACC sources said.

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court on Sunday (25 August) granted a six-day remand for Golam Dastagir Gazi in a case involving murder accusations related to the Anti-Discrimination Movement. Chief Judicial Magistrate Kazi Mohsin passed the order.

However, the former MPs under investigation include Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu of Barishal-2, Md Shah E Alam of Mymensingh-2, and Sharif Ahmed of Barishal-1 constituencies. The probe will also extend to Golam Dastagir Gazi's wife, Hasina Gazi, and Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu's son, Sunam Debnath.

ACC says Golam Dastagir Gazi, who was an MP for Narayanganj-1, is accused of illegally occupying land for his factory, embezzling public funds through various irregularities, laundering money abroad, and acquiring assets beyond known sources of income under his and his family's names. 

He is also accused of abusing his power to elect his wife, Hasina Gazi, as a municipal chairman. Gazi was arrested by police from Shantinagar in Dhaka around 2:45am on Saturday.

Former Cabinet Secretary Kabir Bin Anwar faces allegations of power abuse, embezzling public funds through irregularities and corruption, and acquiring assets beyond known income sources for himself and his family. 

He is also listed as a suspect in three cases related to the deaths of two BNP activists and a Jubo Dal leader during the quota reform movement in Sirajganj.

Former state minister for Housing and Public Works, Sharif Ahmed, is also under investigation for abusing power, embezzling public funds, and acquiring assets beyond known income sources for himself and his family.

Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu and his family are accused of abusing power, involvement in drug trafficking, and embezzling government funds through TR, KABIKHA, and KABITA projects, leading to the acquisition of Tk500 crore in unexplained assets. 

Also, allegations of tender manipulation in various government departments in Barishal are being investigated. Shambhu, who served as the president of the district Awami League for three decades and was elected MP five times, is also under scrutiny. His son, Sunam Debnath, will also be investigated by the ACC.

Former Mymensingh-2 MP Shah E Alam faces allegations of tender manipulation, power abuse, and embezzling large sums of government money through TR, KABIKHA, and KABITA projects, resulting in substantial unexplained assets for himself and his family.