Return only thru’ legal way: ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is working with other government agencies to bring ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh through legal proceedings, its Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan has disclosed. 

"Efforts are underway to bring her back through the legal process," he told journalists at the commission's office on Monday.

Hasina, who is currently in India, has been sentenced to a total of 36 years' imprisonment in corruption cases involving the alleged illegal acquisition of a 60-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town project. The ACC had filed cases against her and members of her family over the acquisition, leading to convictions by a trial court.

Against this backdrop, reports have emerged that Hasina has applied for the restoration of her passport and national identity card (NID) to facilitate her return.

The ACC secretary, however, maintained that her return must follow due legal process, given her status as a convicted person in the corruption cases.

Now, the commission has filed cases against former Awami League MPs Asim Kumar Ukil and Apu Ukil over allegations of acquiring illegal assets worth around Tk6 crore.

The ACC has also approved a charge sheet against M A Taher, a director of UniPay2U, over the alleged acquisition of illegal assets worth Tk1.15 crore.