ACC files two cases against ex-Khulna official

KHULNA, Oct 26: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two cases against S M Mahabubur Rahman, former administrative officer of Khulna District Council, for allegedly acquiring assets worth Tk 2.51 crore beyond his known sources of income and concealing information about assets worth nearly Tk 50 lakh in his wealth statement.

He is currently serving as the administrative officer of Netrakona District Council.

ACC Assistant Director Md Zahid Fazal filed the cases at the ACC's Khulna Integrated District Office on Sunday afternoon.

The cases were filed under Sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004,ACC Khulna Deputy Director Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury confirmed. 

According to the case statements, Mahabubur Rahman declared immovable assets worth Tk 76.77 lakh and movable assets worth Tk 1.72 crore in his wealth statement, bringing the total declared assets to Tk 2.49 crore.

However, the ACC's verification found that he owned immovable assets worth Tk 2.29 crore and movable assets worth Tk 1.91 crore taking the total value of his assets to Tk 4.21 crore.

The case statements further said he had liabilities amounting to Tk 14.97 lakh with the Barobazar branch of BRAC Bank and the Sir Iqbal Road branch of Sonali Bank in Khulna. After deducting the liabilities, his net assets stood at Tk 4.05crore.

The ACC's inquiry found that his acceptable sources of income amounted to Tk 2.32 crore. 

His family expenditure during the relevant period was calculated at Tk 77.94 lakh leaving net income or savings of Tk 1.54 crore after deducting the expenses.

According to the ACC's calculation, the difference between his net assets and the amount justified by his legitimate income and savings was Tk 2.52 crore. 

The case under Section 27(1) was filed over the allegation that he acquired and possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The ACC also alleged that Mahabubur Rahman concealed information about immovable assets worth Tk 30. 57 lakh and movable assets worth Tk 19,27 lakh in his wealth statement. The total value of the allegedly concealed assets was Tk 49.83 lakh.

A separate case was filed under Section 26(2) of the same law over the alleged concealment.

ACC Khulna Deputy Director Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury said two cases had been filed against the administrative officer. He added that as Mahabubur Rahman was currently working at Netrakona District Council, the investigating officer could arrest him if deemed necessary.

The allegations against Mahabubur Rahman are subject to investigation.