Bangladesh News

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated enquiries into the charges of misuse of power and amassing wealth by illegal means against five former and incumbent lawmakers of Awami League and BNP including Amir Hossain Amu and Khaleda Zia’s younger brother Sayeed Eskander.

The other politicians are AL lawmaker MA Mannan, and former BNP ministers Mirza Abbas and MK Anwar.

Of them, enquiry is being conducted on charge of amassing wealth illegally by Amu, Mannan, and Sayeed Eskander while for misuse of power against MK Anwar and Mirza Abbas.

“We have started enquiry into the allegations of misuse of power and illegally amassing wealth by them,” ACC Chairman Ghulam Rahman told reporters yesterday.

“If enquiry finds the allegation substantiated, legal actions will be taken against them. The commission would not backtrack on taking action against anyone whether they are from the ruling party or the opposition,” he added.

Sources in ACC said the enquiries have been initiated following allegations from individuals. The committee scrutinising allegations at the commission has found the allegations worthy of enquiry.

This is the first mentionable effort made by the anti-corruption body since Ghulam Rahman took over office over three months back.

The allegation brought against MK Anwar is misusing his power in selecting his daughter in BCS examination. BNP’s current ward commissioner of Khilgaon ABM Enamul Haque Qayum brought the allegation against him.

Mirza Abbas is accused of abuse of power in purchasing shares worth Tk 5 crore from BTCL. The allegation said Mirza Abbas purchased the shares in the names of different individuals at Tk 2.5 crore against its real value of Tk 5 crore.

A former BTCL chairman lodged the complaint against him.

ACC sources, however, said none of the allegations can be proved against anyone as the allegations are unlikely to be substantiated with evidence. MK Anwar stands accused in at least two ACC cases while Mirza Abbas in two cases including one on charge of amassing wealth by illegal means.