Tuku's graft file vanishes

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) could not start investigation over graft allegations about former State Home Minister Shamsul Haque Tuku as the file containing his graft charges has "disappeared". Reportedly allegations about Shamsul Haque Tuku were submitted to ACC more than three years ago over accumulation of illegal wealth amounting to 161 crore taka. ACC sources have informed corruption charges never expire. Inquiry into Shamsul Haque Tuku's alleged corruption would be carried out as soon as relevant documents are found according to ACC.

ACC Secretary Mostafa Kamal said it is not known to him for what reasons probe into Shamsul Haque Tuku's corruption charges did not proceed. On the other hand, ACC deputy director Nasir Uddin said he was assigned with investigating these graft charges but he did not receive any copy of this order. However, Shamsul Haque Tuku has denied all allegations brought against him. Reportedly corruption charges were brought against his son as well linked with voice over internet protocol (VOIP) business amounting to 146 crore 43 lakh taka. Shamsul Haque Tuku declined these charges too.

These are politically orchestrated charges, Shamsul Haque Tuku remarked. Shamsul Haque Tuku was made State Minister for Power and Energy following Awami League's victory in the polls held on 29 December 2008.  Later on he was appointed as State Home Minister in 2010 and he retained this post till 2013 though he was not assigned with any other ministry after that. Shamsul Haque Tuku is at present Member of Parliament from Pabna 1 constituency.