NN Online:
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has taken steps to investigate allegations of Tk 80,000 crore embezzlement and money laundering involving nine mega projects under the Awami League government. The investigation targets former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddique.
Confirming the matter, ACC Spokesperson Aktarul Islam on Tuesday said, “The decision was taken following a complaint of chairman of Nationalist Democratic Movement Bobby Hajjaj.”
ACC sources have revealed that over Tk 80,000 crore was allegedly embezzled from nine major projects, including the Ashrayan Project, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and several BEZA and BEPZA projects. Following a review of the allegations, the Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to initiate an investigation into claims of fund misappropriation and money laundering abroad.
On December 15, the High Court issued a rule seeking explanation as to why the inaction of the ACC in probing the allegations of graft against Sheikh Hasina, her son Joy and niece Tulip in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project should not be declared illegal.
The High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Mubina Asaf issued the rule following a writ petition in this regard.
The writ petition, filed on September 3 by Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), sought an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Tk 60,000 crore from the RNPP through a Malaysian bank by them.
Fourteen people including secretary of Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, ACC chairman, Sheikh Hasina, Sajib Wazed Joy and Tulip Siddique were made respondents to the rule.