ACC to investigate ‘anti-state deals, illegal wealth acquisition’ by former foreign secretary

He is also accused of contributing to policy failures to resolve the Rohingya crisis

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an enquiry into former foreign secretary Md Shahidul Haque over alleged misuse of power, anti-state dealings, and illicit wealth accumulation.

ACC spokesperson and Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the investigation has begun, but did not disclose specifics. A senior ACC official said Deputy Director Sohanur Rahman was assigned to lead the probe on Sunday.

According to ACC records, Shahidul, during his tenure as foreign secretary, is accused of wasting substantial government funds, concluding agreements detrimental to the state, and acquiring unlawful assets, some allegedly smuggled abroad.

He is also being investigated for irregularities linked to international meetings and seminars, which reportedly provided him with undue personal benefits.

Shahidul is also blamed for policy shortcomings in addressing the Rohingya crisis. Towards the end of his term, he allegedly received state support and spent large sums on his campaign for deputy director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), while reportedly granting special privileges to the IOM Dhaka office.

When contacted for his statement on this matter, Shahidul declined to comment.