Interim govt advisers face fresh ACC scrutiny for graft

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigation into former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has renewed calls for probes into corruption allegations against advisers and officials of the interim government.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, citing the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) National Household Survey 2025, called for investigations into corruption allegations. 

The survey of 15,715 households found that Tk 12,633.2 crore was paid in bribes between November 2024 and October 2025, with passport, BRTA, judicial, law-enforcement and land services among those most affected. More than 86% of respondents said they had to pay bribes to receive services.

The ACC also investigated alleged Tk 150 crore irregularities in Nagad recruitment involving an adviser’s aide. Allegations have additionally been raised against former officials and eight advisers, although the interim government’s then Cabinet Secretary denied corruption allegations against advisers.

* Tk 12,633 crore paid in bribe during November, 2024-October, 2025
* Home Minister calls for investigation into corruption allegations
* Legal notice against Dr. Yunus for Tk 666cr revenue waiver for Grameen Telecom

MUHAMMAD YUNUS
A legal notice against former Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus cited 21 allegations, including conflict of interest, nepotism, abuse of power, corruption, tax evasion and alleged money laundering, and sought an investigation and a ban on his foreign travel.

During his 18-month tenure, allegations were raised over a Tk 666 crore revenue waiver for Grameen Telecom, special benefits to Grameen-linked institutions and a decision to reduce the government’s stake in Grameen Bank from 25pc to 10pc.

ASIF MAHMUD SAJIB BHUIYAN
Former adviser Asif Mahmud has faced allegations of corruption, extortion, abuse of power, irregular appointments and misuse of state resources. Allegations were also raised against his aide Moazzem Hossain, his father Billal Hossain and press secretary Mahfuzul Alam over various financial and administrative matters. As Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif faced allegations of interference in BCB affairs, sports federations and development projects. His use of a helicopter 28 times in six days also drew criticism.

On September 2, the ACC launched an investigation into alleged corruption in recruitment, transfers, promotions and procurement at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The allegations include Tk 76 lakh over transfers of 38 upazila youth development officers, Tk 1.5 crore for promotions involving 150 officers and Tk 2 crore for preferred postings. The allegations further claim that billions of taka were transferred to Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Switzerland through alleged shell companies, hundi and cryptocurrency transactions.

OTHER FORMER ADVISERS
Former Legal Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul faced allegations involving case trading, bail, judge postings and sub-registrar transfers, including claims of laundering Tk 11,000 crore.

Former Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan faced complaints alleging embezzlement, property occupation and corruption involving about Tk 12,000 crore. A separate complaint also sought an investigation into alleged property transactions involving her husband.

Former Energy Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan was accused of embezzlement involving the Summit Group and alleged illegal transactions with private power companies.

Former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum faced allegations of tender fraud, hospital procurement irregularities and laundering Tk 9,000 crore.

Former Cultural Affairs Adviser Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui faced allegations over Tk 2.22 crore allocated to more than 300 allegedly non-existent cultural institutions. He denied the allegations.

Former Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam faced an ACC investigation following an allegation that he accepted bribes for granting a television channel licence.

Former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmed Tayyeb faced allegations over a project involving Huawei, including claims of pressure on a bank manager and irregularities in the import of equipment.

OTHERS
Former Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has been accused of embezzling Tk 2,000 crore, while former International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam faced allegations involving Tk 1,000 crore.

Former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur was accused of purchasing a luxury flat abroad for Tk 450 million.
Adilur Rahman Khan, an adviser to the Yunus government, had also faced financial allegations, including an ACC inquiry in 2016 over alleged money laundering involving Odhikar funds.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal scrutiny. It will be for the ACC, other competent authorities and the courts to determine whether they are supported by evidence.