The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) plays a central role in combating corruption in Bangladesh and bringing individuals accused of corruption within the ambit of the law. As a state institution entrusted with a critical responsibility, the ACC has an important role in ensuring accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

However, allegations have surfaced at different times against some officials and employees of the commission involving corruption, abuse of authority, harassment of innocent people and attempts to influence investigations. Such allegations have raised concerns among members of the public and prompted questions about the transparency and accountability of the institution.

According to individuals associated with ACC cases and allegations reported at different times, there have been claims that, in some instances, people with insufficient evidence against them were allegedly included in cases alongside the principal accused. There have also been allegations that certain unscrupulous individuals, sometimes acting through intermediaries, have attempted to collect money by threatening people with the possibility of being named in investigations or charge sheets. Most of these allegations, however, have not been established in court. Nevertheless, such claims can create considerable public concern and undermine confidence in the institution.

Some alleged victims have claimed that they were subjected to unnecessary harassment in the name of investigation, prolonged legal procedures and mental pressure arising from the threat of being included in a charge sheet. Many people are reportedly reluctant to make complaints publicly because they fear that doing so could complicate their cases or expose them to further harassment. As a result, both accused persons and individuals who believe they have been wrongly implicated may remain silent out of fear.

At the same time, it would be unfair to view all ACC officials and employees through the same lens. Many officials perform their responsibilities with honesty, professionalism and integrity. The alleged misconduct of a small number of individuals can damage the reputation of the entire institution. There is therefore a growing expectation that honest and competent officials within the ACC will help strengthen internal accountability and ensure that innocent people are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.

One of the most widely discussed cases concerning allegations of corruption within the ACC involved former police officer Mizanur Rahman. ACC Director Khandaker Enamul Bashir was accused of accepting Tk 40 lakh in bribes in connection with the case. The allegations attracted widespread public attention and raised concerns because they involved a senior official of an institution responsible for fighting corruption.

The case also demonstrated the importance of accountability within an anti-corruption agency. Following the allegations, an investigation was conducted, and legal and administrative action was subsequently taken against those involved. Khandaker Enamul Bashir and former police officer Mizanur Rahman were ultimately brought under legal and administrative processes and faced punishment. The case illustrated that allegations of wrongdoing within an anti-corruption institution can themselves be investigated and addressed through appropriate legal procedures.

Another widely discussed case involved former ACC official Sharif Uddin. He came into the spotlight after conducting investigations into several significant corruption allegations, including allegations concerning the illegal issuance of national identity cards to Rohingyas. He was later dismissed from his position and subsequently alleged that he had faced retaliation because of his investigations and proposed action against influential individuals and senior government officials.

The ACC, however, rejected his allegations and stated that disciplinary and administrative complaints against him had led to the decision to remove him from service. The conflicting positions of Sharif Uddin and the commission have generated public debate and raised questions about the protection of investigators, institutional accountability and the independence of anti-corruption investigations.

Concerns about internal transparency and accountability within the ACC have also been expressed by former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder. In an interview, he questioned how the commission could effectively perform its responsibilities if there were serious problems within the institution itself, emphasizing the importance of restoring public confidence through internal reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Former Member of Parliament and lawyer Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon has also criticized allegations of corruption involving some ACC officials. Speaking in Parliament, he raised concerns about allegations against certain officials and called for greater transparency and accountability within the commission. Such concerns are significant because allegations of corruption against officials of an anti-corruption agency can have a direct impact on the institution's credibility and public trust.

In addition, several former individuals involved in ACC cases, speaking on condition of anonymity, have alleged that some investigating officers subjected innocent people to harassment. According to their claims, some individuals were allegedly pressured during different stages of investigations by the threat of legal complications or inclusion in a charge sheet, with attempts allegedly made to obtain money in exchange for relief. Some claim that such experiences caused serious financial losses.

However, these allegations have not necessarily been independently established, and their accuracy can only be determined through proper investigation by the relevant authorities. The reluctance of alleged victims to come forward publicly also highlights the need for a safe and credible mechanism through which complaints against ACC officials can be made without fear of retaliation.

Experts and observers have repeatedly emphasized that an effective fight against corruption requires accountability not only among those accused of corruption but also within the institutions responsible for enforcing anti-corruption laws. Transparency, impartiality and strict adherence to due process are essential at every stage of an investigation. If these principles are properly maintained, innocent individuals will be less likely to face unnecessary harassment, while those against whom credible evidence exists can be brought to justice.

There is no substitute for a strong, independent and accountable Anti-Corruption Commission in establishing good governance and strengthening the rule of law. Therefore, allegations against ACC officials should be investigated impartially, those found responsible for misconduct should face appropriate legal or administrative action, and honest investigators should be protected from undue pressure or retaliation.

At the same time, the rights of every person accused of corruption must be protected through due process, while innocent citizens must receive equal protection under the law. The presumption of innocence, the right to a fair investigation and protection from arbitrary harassment should remain fundamental principles throughout the process.

The expectation of the public and relevant stakeholders is that the ACC will address its internal weaknesses and develop into an institution that is more transparent, impartial, professional and responsive to citizens. Strengthening internal oversight and accountability would not only help reduce allegations of harassment but also reinforce public confidence in the commission's broader efforts to combat corruption.

Ultimately, the fight against corruption will be effective only when the institution leading that fight is itself trusted for its integrity, fairness and accountability. Ensuring that no innocent person is harassed in the name of an investigation, while ensuring that credible allegations of corruption are properly investigated, is essential for strengthening public confidence and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

Serious allegations of bribery, irregularities, corruption, and the acquisition of assets allegedly disproportionate to known sources of income have been raised against Afzal Hossain, a surveyor at Land Acquisition (LA) Branch-2 of the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office.According to the allegations, landowners seeking compensation for acquired property are allegedly asked to pay between 5% and 15% of the compensation amount to facilitate the release of their payments. Complainants claim that despite growing concerns over the alleged practices, no effective action has been taken, allowing the situation to continue.

Several sources and alleged victims claim that an influential syndicate has been operating around Afzal Hossain. The syndicate allegedly exerts influence over the processing of files related to land acquisition. Some landowners have alleged that their files are delayed or kept pending unless the demanded commission is paid.

Returned to the Same Office After Transfer
According to several sources familiar with the matter, Afzal Hossain was transferred from the Dhaka LA Branch following allegations of irregularities. However, sources claim that he returned to the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office approximately four months after the transfer.

His return to the same office has raised questions among some officials and stakeholders, although the circumstances surrounding the transfer and subsequent posting could not be independently verified.

Several people familiar with the LA Branch allege that Afzal has continued to exercise influence after returning. They further claim that a particular group has been influencing the processing and release of compensation payments related to land acquisition.

Questions Over Assets and Lifestyle
Questions have also been raised about Afzal Hossain’s assets and lifestyle. Complainants claim that despite being employed as a government surveyor, he and members of his family allegedly own flats, plots and business interests in different parts of Dhaka.

There are also allegations that several businesses in the Mitford area of Old Dhaka are operated in his name or through people close to him. Complainants have further claimed that substantial sums of money are held in bank accounts belonging to Afzal and members of his family.

However, the ownership, source and legal status of these alleged assets and financial holdings could not be independently verified. Whether his assets are disproportionate to his legitimate income is a matter that would require examination by the relevant authorities.

Allegations Regarding a ACC Case
It has also been alleged that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Afzal in connection with alleged corruption and embezzlement involving a major land acquisition project, with the alleged amount running into hundreds of crores of taka.

However, the nature, current status and specific details of the alleged case could not be independently verified from relevant official records for this report.

Complainants have further alleged that following the filing of the case, Afzal attempted to use influence and lobbying to protect himself and prevent further action. These claims also could not be independently verified.

Landowners Allegedly Facing Harassment
Landowners affected by government development projects have alleged that they often face prolonged delays in receiving compensation for their acquired properties.

According to several complainants, files are sometimes kept pending, forcing landowners to make repeated visits to the office. They allege that the processing of their files moves forward only after they agree to pay the allegedly demanded commission or bribe.

One alleged victim said that receiving compensation for acquired land is a legal entitlement, yet landowners are allegedly subjected to repeated harassment and delays. The individual declined to disclose their identity, citing security concerns.

Calls for an Investigation
Concerned citizens and stakeholders have called for an impartial investigation into the allegations against Afzal Hossain.

They have urged the authorities to examine his and his family members’ assets, bank accounts, business interests and financial transactions related to land acquisition. They also called for appropriate legal action if any of the allegations are established through a proper investigation.

They further emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the process of disbursing compensation to landowners whose properties are acquired for government development projects.

Afzal’s Response
Attempts were made several times to contact Surveyor Afzal Hossain by telephone to obtain his response to the allegations of bribery, corruption, irregularities, unexplained assets and abuse of influence. However, he did not answer the calls.

As a result, his response could not be obtained for this report. His comments will be included if and when they become available.

Dhaka: BNP leader Zainul Abdin Faruk has stressed the importance of protecting people’s rights, safeguarding national interests, strengthening democratic movements and maintaining political unity at a programme marking the 45th founding anniversary of the PNP Party.

Speaking at the event, Faruk said strengthening the people’s power is more important for protecting the state and national sovereignty than strengthening the position of any individual or political leader. He said ensuring people’s rights would make it easier to confront any threat to the country.

Referring to the political movements of the past 17 years, Faruk said various political parties had struggled for years but had failed to bring large numbers of ordinary people into the streets. Later, students led quota and anti-discrimination movements, followed by the July-August movement, which brought together people from different sections of society.

He said political and social forces with differing views had also come together around a common objective during those movements.

Discussing the 20-party alliance, the 12-party alliance and the simultaneous movement, Faruk said different political groups had remained on separate platforms for strategic reasons while participating in programmes based on common demands. According to him, discussions and coordination among various political parties played an important role in organising the movement. He also referred to the 31-point reform agenda as part of that process.

On religion and the governance of the state, Faruk said religion and state administration are separate matters. He said language, culture, history, the legacy of the Liberation War and geographical identity, alongside other factors, are important in shaping a nation and governing a state.

In this context, he referred to the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism associated with former president Ziaur Rahman and expressed his support for the political legacies of Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Faruk also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation. Referring to liquidity problems in the banking sector, public debt and allegations of money laundering, he said banks hold people’s deposits and therefore customers should be able to withdraw their money when necessary.

He also discussed Bangladesh-India relations and the current status of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Faruk said Bangladesh should maintain good relations with India but should not compromise on its national interests. He called for Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and face the legal process, saying allegations against her should be resolved through the courts.

Faruk further said freedom of expression should be respected in relation to political activities and social-media discussions, while national security and national interests should also be taken into consideration. At the same time, he opposed enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, saying existing laws should be used to maintain law and order.

Describing politics as a field of sacrifice, Faruk praised the patriotism and nationalist spirit of Indian independence leader Subhas Chandra Bose. He said he had also found similar nationalist qualities in Ziaur Rahman.

Towards the end of his speech, Faruk recalled a past conversation with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia concerning the country’s political situation and the prospect of an election. According to his account, she had advised political leaders to build public opinion in favour of people’s voting rights and to remain cautious about the possible consequences of political developments.

He also referred to a comment attributed to Khaleda Zia regarding the possibility of political cooperation between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League, saying such a development could occur if a neighbouring country wanted it.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday (October 1) alleged that what he described as “autocratic” and “covert” political forces had again joined hands and were working to create instability in the country.He urged people to remain alert against groups seeking to create disorder.The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a programme at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground in Feni, where Family Cards and Farmer Cards were distributed and honorariums were provided to religious service providers.

Tarique Rahman said his government was implementing pledges made before the election, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes and financial support for religious service providers.

He said the initiatives were intended to benefit ordinary people and added that the government also wanted to reopen closed factories to create economic opportunities.

Referring to former president Ziaur Rahman’s canal-digging programmes, Tarique Rahman said the BNP’s political agenda was focused on improving people’s livelihoods.

He argued that welfare programmes could not be implemented effectively if political unrest and disorder continued.

Without naming any party, the Prime Minister also criticised political opponents whom he accused of making religious promises before the election.

He further alleged that groups he described as “covert forces” had previously maintained political links with the former government and were now working alongside what he called the “fugitive autocrat”.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of the Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Parshuram.

The Tk1,542.16 crore project includes rehabilitation of nearly 68 kilometres of embankments, riverbank protection, re-excavation of rivers and water bodies, and improvements to irrigation infrastructure.

Under Thursday’s programmes, 7,643 farmers across Feni were set to receive printed Farmer Cards, while 510 people in Fulgazi were to receive Family Cards.

Honorariums were also arranged for 238 imams, muezzins, khadims and priests in Fulgazi.

Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiuallah, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid and local lawmakers were among those attending the day’s programmes.