ACC appoints officer to probe ex-army chief Gen Aziz’s assets 

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has appointed an officer to verify and investigate the asset declaration submitted by former Army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed, while its investigation has found Tk 2 crore in allegedly unexplained assets in the name of Dr Fardin Islam Sagar, husband of former DIG Atika Islam and owner of Luxis International.

ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md Tanzir Ahmed confirmed the development regarding Aziz Ahmed on Sunday.

According to ACC sources, the commission appointed the officer to verify specific information and data contained in the asset declaration submitted by Aziz, whose permanent/current address is House No 1320, Road No 19, Emilia-2, Mirpur DOHS, Pallabi, Dhaka-1216.

The officer has been instructed to conduct a thorough verification and investigation within the stipulated timeframe and submit a detailed report to the commission, the sources said.

Meanwhile, the ACC has decided to issue a notice to Fardin Islam Sagar, requiring him to submit a statement of assets to determine the actual extent and sources of his wealth.

ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam disclosed the decision on Sunday.

According to the commission's investigation report, Sagar's total income from the 2017-18 to 2023-24 fiscal years was Tk 1 crore 16 lakh 198, while his family and other expenditure amounted to Tk 52 lakh 15 thousand 889. His legitimate net savings therefore stood at Tk 63 lakh 84 thousand 309.

However, the investigation found movable assets worth Tk 2 crore 63 lakh 84 thousand 309 in his name. The ACC said the value of these assets was inconsistent with his declared legitimate income and savings.

After deducting his legitimate savings of Tk 63 lakh 84 thousand 309 from the assets identified, the commission calculated Tk 2 crore as assets beyond known sources of income.

The investigation report also observed that Sagar might have additional movable and immovable assets in his own name or held benami. The commission therefore considered it necessary to ascertain the actual extent of his assets and their sources.

Based on the investigating officer's recommendation, ACC has decided to issue the notice under Section 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, directing Sagar to submit his statement of assets.