ACC to open probe into former chief Iqbal Mahmood

The anti-graft agency sets a precedent by deciding to launch the inquiry

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an investigation against its former chairman Iqbal Mahmood.

The investigation will cover allegations of bribery, abuse of power and money laundering brought against Iqbal during the preliminary inquiry.

This is the first time a former ACC chief is facing a formal investigation by the very agency he once led.

ACC Director General Md Mukammel Hoque confirmed the development to bdnews24.com.

Another senior ACC official cited business collusion between controversial health-sector contractor Motazzerul Islam Mithu and members of Iqbal’s family.

Iqbal’s brother, Sadiq Mahmood Bakul, was known to be a business associate of Mithu.

Using that connection, they became involved in widespread irregularities and corruption in the health sector. Mithu and Bakul, despite their involvement in irregularities and corruption, had remained beyond the reach of law using Iqbal’s influence, the official added.

The ACC is probing an allegation of Iqbal receiving two flats in Dhaka’s Gulshan from Mithu, the official said, with the former ACC chief also under the scanner for money laundering and abuse of power.

The ACC will review the source of wealth of Sadiq, his possible overseas transactions, and financial records of their joint business ventures.

Police arrested Mithu on Sept 11 over allegations that he was part of a syndicate involved in embezzlement and money laundering in the health sector.

Information obtained from Mithu led the ACC to the investigation.