Published: 11:35 PM, 09 September 2026
ACC says corruption allegations against Asif Mahmud warrant inquiry
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an inquiry into corruption allegations against former interim government advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain after finding the claims worthy of investigation, the agency's Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan has said.
However, without giving a firm ruling on whether preliminary evidence of the allegations had been uncovered, he said the matter was at the "inquiry stage", bdnews24 reports.
Saidur made the remarks on Wednesday at the ACC headquarters in Dhaka's Segunbagicha in response to questions from reporters.
His statements came just hours after Asif, spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP), held a media briefing questioning the ACC's investigation.
The NCP leader alleged that the ACC was being used "politically" to harass him. Rejecting the accusation, the ACC secretary said: "Certainly not. We operate in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
"The ACC functions as an independent agency. We receive complaints, conduct inquiries, and will subsequently take legal action."
Noting that Asif has the right to express his views, he added: "The commission will review the matter."
Pressed repeatedly by journalists regarding whether "preliminary evidence" had been found, the ACC secretary maintained: "There is no scope to say anything definitive on this matter before the investigation concludes."
The ACC is investigating allegations of corruption and irregularities against four individuals -- including Asif Mahmud -- concerning transfers, recruitments, and promotions within the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
As part of the inquiry, the ACC has requested documents and details regarding the recruitment, promotion, and transfer of officers and staff during Asif's tenure.
