The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating allegations against Sheikh Mohammad Omar Faruk, former Director General of the Audit Directorate of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), over the alleged misappropriation of nearly Tk 420 million that was reportedly not deposited into the government treasury.
The ACC is also looking into allegations that Omar Faruk acquired assets beyond his known sources of income, accepted bribes and misappropriated money in the name of settling various audit objections.
To verify the financial aspects of the allegations, ACC Deputy Director Khairul Haque has sent letters to 61 banks and financial institutions seeking information on Omar Faruk’s financial transactions.
The commission has also sought information from relevant government offices in three districts and other areas regarding assets and financial transactions held in the names of Omar Faruk, his wife and children.
According to ACC sources, the information collected will be used to determine whether the family’s declared income is consistent with their assets and banking transactions.
Allegations of Bribes in Audit Team Appointments
According to a complaint submitted to the ACC, Omar Faruk allegedly resorted to irregularities in appointing audit teams for various LGED units during his tenure.
The complaint alleges that he received approximately Tk 2 million in bribes in exchange for appointing each audit team.
He has also been accused of settling audit objections involving LGED and other government offices in exchange for money.
Alleged Influence in Settling Audit Objections
The complaint further alleges that influence was used to settle audit objections involving alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds in various projects linked to former members of parliament.
It has also been alleged that important documents or files were sometimes withheld to extract money from individuals concerned.
Against this backdrop, the ACC is collecting detailed information on Omar Faruk’s assets and financial transactions.
Family Assets Under Scrutiny
As part of the investigation, the ACC is also examining the bank accounts, movable and immovable assets, investments and other financial transactions of Omar Faruk’s family members.
Investigators will analyse the collected information to determine whether there is any link between the alleged irregularities and actual financial transactions.
Allegation of Attempting to Secure Promotion
There are also allegations that Omar Faruk has been attempting to secure a promotion through bribery while the ACC investigation is still ongoing.
However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and the ACC’s investigation is expected to establish whether there is any truth to the claim.
According to ACC sources, the commission will decide on further legal action after reviewing the banking and asset-related information collected during the investigation.
If the allegations are found to have preliminary substance, the authorities may take steps against those concerned in accordance with the law.
It should be noted that none of the allegations against Omar Faruk has yet been proven. Until the ACC completes its investigation, the allegations remain allegations only.
Omar Faruk’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of publication. His statement or response will be incorporated into the report if obtained.