Staff Reporter :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated investigations into allegations of corruption and illegal asset accumulation against two former Awami League lawmakers, Dr HBM Iqbal, Chairman of Premier Bank and former MP for Dhaka-10, and Md Abu Zahir, former MP for Habiganj-3.
The ACC’s decision to investigate was confirmed on Tuesday by its Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer, Akhtarul Islam.
According to the ACC’s preliminary allegations, HBM Iqbal is accused of abusing his power since 2011 while holding the position of Premier Bank’s Chairman. During this time, he also established several ventures, including Hotel Renaissance in Gulshan, Hilton Hotel & Resort in Gulshan-2, and Royal University of Dhaka. Additionally, he became a member of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA).
Over the last decade, Iqbal is alleged to have acquired substantial wealth through his involvement in various companies. Confidential sources have claimed that he has amassed illegal assets worth hundreds of crores, both domestically and internationally, over the past 13-14 years. The ACC has found evidence suggesting that his assets far exceed his known sources of income, prompting a full investigation into his financial dealings.
Similarly, former MP Md Abu Zahir is also under investigation for allegedly accumulating illegal wealth through corruption and abuse of power. The ACC’s initial findings revealed that Zahir possesses Tk 30 lakh in cash, savings certificates worth Tk 19 lakh, a RAJUK plot, and assets worth crores in his wife’s name. Due to the significant disparity between his wealth and his known sources of income, the ACC has decided to conduct a formal investigation into Zahir’s assets.
These investigations mark a crucial step in the ACC’s efforts to tackle corruption and hold public officials accountable for their financial conduct.