The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has intensified its probe against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family over allegations of massive embezzlement and money laundering involving public funds. This inquiry digs deep, seeking to unravel the financial misdeeds surrounding several key national projects.
According to reports, the ACC is investigating allegations of Tk21,000 crore ($2.5 billion) embezzlement related to allegations against Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana's daughter, UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq. The commission has formally requested documents from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) pertaining to local and international transactions tied to the political figures.
ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain confirmed to The Business Standard, stating: "This incident is largely true. We may receive more specific information in the future. We will speak directly about it later." The inquiry follows previous complaints filed against the former prime minister’s family, alleging they laundered $300 million to the United States.
This latest inquiry was launched after the allegations were initially reported on December 17. A significant focus has been placed on multiple projects including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the first of its kind within Bangladesh, additional housing projects aimed at the homeless, and other developments funded through government allocations.
Sources within the ACC have indicated the inquiry would encompass various financial dealings and irregularities linked to the construction and development initiatives led by the Awami League party, during which Hasina's government held sway.
Among the most concerning allegations are tied to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, which has been primarily financed through Russian loans. The ACC's statement is clear: "The claims of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering and potential abuse of power raise significant concerns about the integrity of the project and the use of public funds." These claims were raised through legal avenues initiated by political opponents such as Bobby Hajjaj, who is demanding accountability through the courts.
These allegations come against the backdrop of Hasina's political history, marked by her 15-year long reign before fleeing to India amid increasing public dissent and accusations of mass murder. On August 5, following immense public pressure, she resigned and left the country, exacerbated by the allegations of massive corruption charges surfacing alongside public uprisings led by student movements.
Despite her current absence from the political scene, scrutiny remains on her family, particularly on Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who has previously been linked to serious financial misconduct. The U.S. Department of Justice revealed investigations where $300 million connected to him were allegedly transferred from foreign accounts to banks across Washington, D.C., New York, and London, raising alarms about the fate of Bangladesh's financial integrity.
Though much speculation has circulated about the issuance of Red Notices against former Prime Minister Hasina, the ACC and associated entities have clarified these reports as misleading. The police have confirmed no such notice has come to pass. This has added layers of complexity to the case, opening questions on the jurisdiction and efficacy of global oversight mechanisms when dealing with political figures.
Meanwhile, Tulip Siddiq, facing allegations of involvement, has publicly denied the claims through official channels from the British government, stating her complete unawareness of any such impropriety linked with her name.
The ACC remains steadfast as it pursues this high-profile investigation, ensuring all hooks are explored, including offshore bank statements and international financial practices connected to this gripping narrative of alleged corruption. The thoroughness of the commission's inquiries could set precedent, not just for the figures involved, but for corruption investigations within the region.
The situation paints a complex picture where political allegiance meets public accountability, and the citizens of Bangladesh are left to ponder the integrity of their leaders. With mounting pressure for justice and transparency, many await the results of the ACC's investigation, hoping to restore faith in the governance of the nation.
