ACC faces scrutiny over surge in cases

Contradictory case patterns in the Anti-Corruption Commission during the interim government have drawn scrutiny amid an unprecedented rise in prosecutions alongside allegations of selective enforcement, procedural impropriety, political targeting, and failure to conclude major corruption cases.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, the ACC commission headed by Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah resigned on October 29,  2024. On December 10, 2024 under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, Abdul Momen was appointed chairman with Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Hafiz Ahsan Farid as commissioners. The commission resigned on March 3 after one year and two months.

In about one and a half years, the ACC filed around 1,000 cases, the highest in two decades, including 980 between August 8, 2024 and February 12 this year, averaging over two daily. Between August 2024 and July 2025, 452 corruption cases were filed involving over 200 prominent individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, with 1,743 accused on charges of project irregularities, banking corruption, illicit enrichment, tender manipulation and abuse of power.

Concerns were raised that many cases targeted individuals based on political identity or hostility rather than strong evidence, with rapid filings, mass account freezes and travel bans after August 5, 2024. Allegations also included "notice trade," while probes into major projects stalled without explanation as lower level officials were pursued.

ACC sources said, between August 2024 and June 2025, 16,327 complaints were received, 12,827 scrutinised, 768 investigated, resulting in 452 cases and 348 charge sheets involving 1,443 accused including officials, politicians and businesspersons were named. 

Charge sheets were filed in around eight of every 10 cases, seen as improvement, yet Bangladesh's corruption perception ranking remained largely unchanged.

From July 2025 to January 2026, ACC activity slowed, with 260 investigations, 145 cases and 110 charge sheets.

An ACC official, speaking anonymously, admitted some cases were filed "in a hurry" and "without proper investigation," warning this could weaken prosecutions.

ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Dr. Mozammel Haque Khan said charges are selected by a committee of "5 to 7 people headed by a DG," but acknowledged repeated errors. He noted many complaints lack details on bribery mechanisms or linkage of accused to work, while some fall outside jurisdiction. The commission often relies on "media reports," though weak complaints delay investigations.

Experts argue the ACC is influenced by those in power, targeting opponents while shielding ruling interests within a "protective zone," and that cases are often withdrawn during political transitions. They describe it as a "supplier" to political authorities, calling for radical reform.

After the Abdul Momen led commission, some alleged victims of false cases expressed relief while others cited pressure in the earlier period. Public hearings were introduced at district and upazila levels, but impact remains unclear. A notable incident occurred on 10 August in Bogra when fish farmer Shakowat Hossain threw a shoe at Abdul Momen during a hearing.

Concerns also include alleged social media monitoring and reliance on obscure publications for investigations, sometimes for harassment.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, "The ACC avoids action against those in power or close to them but becomes active when they lose influence, noting "hundreds of such decisions" though impact remains uncertain."

Allegations further suggest selective pursuit of major corruption cases, use for reputational management, and instances where accused were neither arrested nor required bail, later discharged at investigation stage despite being shown absconders. 

Analysts cite vague allegations, weak filings, selective enforcement and poor inter agency coordination.

High profile cases included Gazi Salauddin Tanvir involving Tk 400 crore linked to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board and lobbying for postings, leading to expulsion from the National Citizen Party. The ACC also summoned Tuhin Farabi, Mahmudul Hasan and Moazzem Hossain over alleged wealth accumulation through lobbying and tender manipulation. Other allegations involved Bangladesh Railways lobbying, Dhaka WASA outsourcing issues, and Manikganj extortion claims. No cases were filed in many instances.

Of 228 ACC cases decided in 10 months of 2025, 103 ended in acquittal, raising concerns over investigative strength. Analysts say political cases aim less at conviction and more at pressure, stating "the real purpose is not to punish, but to cause political damage," with reputational harm occurring at arrest and media exposure stages.

In 2024, the ACC withdrew at least five chargesheets against 14 individuals, including Muhammad Yunus, raising questions of legality and consistency.

Former ACC Director General (Legal and Prosecution) Moidul Islam said, "Political change has left an imprint on proceedings, with similar patterns of case quashing after earlier transitions and rising acquittals in trial courts."