ACC may seek foreign data on alleged money laundering by Asif

ACC Considers International Requests in Inquiry Involving Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan

Thebangladaily.com – The Anti-Corruption Commission may turn to foreign authorities as it examines allegations that former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan moved money outside Bangladesh.

ACC Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan said on Tuesday that the commission could seek assistance from countries linked to the allegations if doing so becomes necessary under existing law. Any such step would be intended to verify claims of overseas money laundering before further action is considered.

“There is no scope for us to act according to our own wishes.”

Speaking at the ACC headquarters, Saidur said the investigation remains ongoing and that the commission has not reached a final decision on the allegations. He stressed that the next steps will depend on the inquiry report rather than on any predetermined conclusion.

The case involves claims gathered during the ACC’s inquiry, Saidur said, rejecting suggestions that the information had been manufactured. The commission is reviewing the allegations and will determine whether they can be substantiated through documents, records and other available evidence.

Possible Mutual Legal Assistance Requests

If overseas verification is required, the ACC may issue Mutual Legal Assistance Requests, commonly known as MLARs. These requests are a legal mechanism through which authorities can ask another country to assist with matters relevant to an investigation.

In this case, MLARs could be considered for jurisdictions where the alleged financial transfers are said to have taken place. Saidur indicated that the commission would use this route only if it is warranted by the inquiry and permitted under the law.

The allegations include claims that Tk 11,000 crore was laundered to five countries: Dubai, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland and Portugal. The amount and the alleged destinations are among the issues the ACC intends to examine before deciding whether any formal request for foreign cooperation is needed.

Seeking information from abroad would not in itself establish wrongdoing. It would form part of an effort to test the allegations against records that may be held outside Bangladesh. The ACC has said that verification must come before any further legal move.

Documents Received From Youth and Sports Ministry

As part of the domestic inquiry, the ACC has received important documents relating to appointments, promotions and transfers at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during Asif’s time as adviser.

The ministry sent the records after the commission requested them on September 3. The material is expected to be reviewed alongside claims involving decisions made within the ministry, including appointments, transfers and procurement matters.

The ACC initiated its first inquiry on September 2. It focused on allegations of corruption and irregularities involving Asif and three other people in connection with ministry appointments, personnel transfers and procurement activities.

A special inquiry team, headed by ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, was assigned to conduct that examination. The inquiry is therefore not limited to the money-laundering allegation; it also covers questions raised about administrative and procurement-related decisions during the relevant period.

Additional Allegations Added to Review

On Sunday, the commission also decided to open separate inquiries into further allegations involving Asif. Those claims concern alleged bribery, appointment and posting arrangements in the two Dhaka city corporations, as well as the allegation of money laundering.

The newer allegations will be assessed together with the inquiry that was already underway. This means investigators will be examining several connected areas at once: employment-related decisions, postings, tenders, development projects and the alleged movement of funds abroad.

The range of allegations makes the documentary review particularly significant. Records connected to appointments, promotions, transfers, tenders and development work may help investigators determine whether there is evidence to support any claim of irregularity.

For readers, the distinction between an inquiry and a final finding is important. The ACC’s current actions involve collecting information, reviewing documents and deciding whether additional verification is needed. The commission has not announced a final conclusion from its examination.

Asif Rejects the Claims

Asif has denied the allegations. He has questioned the differing amounts that have been cited in claims against him and has described the ACC inquiry as politically motivated.

His denial remains central to the matter as the inquiry continues. The ACC has said it will proceed on the basis of its findings, while Asif maintains that the accusations lack credibility.

The immediate focus is now on the inquiry team’s review of the ministry documents and on whether the available information justifies seeking assistance from foreign countries. Saidur said the commission will decide its future course only after receiving the inquiry report.

Until that process is completed, the allegations remain under examination. Any move to request information from Dubai, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Portugal or another jurisdiction would be part of the ACC’s effort to verify the claims through lawful channels.