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Published : 08 Jul 2025, 10:36 PM
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said investigations into different allegations of corruption and irregularities involving ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members have been delayed due to a lack of relevant documents.
Akhtar Hossain, director general (Prevention) of the ACC, said on Tuesday that the investigation activities have slowed down because relevant documentary evidence has not yet been received from foreign jurisdictions.
He said, “Once the required documents are collected, the investigating and inquiry officers will submit their reports.”
The ACC has already submitted chargesheets to court in six cases involving allegations of abusing power to illegally acquire a 0.4-hectare plot in RAJUK Purbachal New Town Project.
The accused in these cases include seven individuals: Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana; niece Tulip Siddiq, niece Azmina Siddique; and nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq.
Apart from these cases, the national anti-graft agency is currently conducting inquiries into several other allegations of abuse of power and financial misconduct involving Hasina and members of her family.
These include a case against Putul for allegedly misappropriating funds by exerting influence; and another case against British MP Tulip, Hasina’s niece, who has been accused of acquiring a flat in Gulshan as a bribe.
When asked for updates on the status of these ongoing cases, Akhtar said: “The commission is taking these investigations very seriously. Once our investigators complete their work, they will submit reports.
“In the case of key ongoing inquiries, they are committed to providing complete reports with all necessary documentation as soon as possible.”
Claiming that the ACC is transparent with journalists, he added: “Our officials are carrying out their duties as per the timelines set by the commission.”
The ACC has sent mutual legal assistance requests to various countries to collect information relating to these cases, he said.
“We’ve not yet been able to obtain a lot of the relevant documentation. That is why it’s taking time. Once we receive them, the officers will submit their reports,” he added.
When asked whether the ACC is actively working to bring Hasina and her family members back to the country, Akhtar said: “If there is any significant progress in repatriating them, we will inform you.
“But even if they are fugitives abroad, our investigation and inquiry efforts will not be hampered. The process will continue in their absence. For those against whom charge sheets have already been submitted in court, the trial proceedings will continue.”
Hasina fled the country for India on Aug 5 following a student-led mass uprising, ending the Awami League’s nearly 16-year rule.
Her sister Rehana also left with her. Her son and former advisor, Joy, was already residing in the United States, while Tulip resigned after the corruption allegations surfaced.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen 124 bank accounts belonging to Hasina and her family members, containing a total of Tk 6.35 billion.
