Syed Shemul Parvez :
Despite efforts by the interim government to address corruption, numerous high-profile figures, including Awami League ministers, MPs, politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, engineers, and businessmen, continue to evade justice.
Reports indicate that while some individuals have been detained, the scale of the corruption remains vast compared to the number of arrests made.
Many corrupt officials have fled the country amid a storm of scandals and allegations.
Their properties, once bustling with activity, are now deserted and locked, making it difficult for authorities to trace their whereabouts.
Some of these individuals have sought refuge abroad, accompanied by their families and valuables.
However, in a recent development, several corrupt figures were apprehended by vigilant students during their escape attempts, with money and gold ornaments in tow.
The interim government’s challenge now is to restore good governance and tackle corruption effectively.
Analysts assert that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) faces significant hurdles, including accusations of discrimination and complicity.
Critics argue that the ACC, intended to be a bastion of anti-corruption efforts, has instead become a tool for political manipulation, protecting corrupt members within the ruling party while suppressing opposition voices.
Recent actions by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) underscore the gravity of the situation.
On Friday, DMP officials conducted a raid on two properties linked to Dr. Shah Kamal, a former senior secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The operation, conducted on Babar Road in Mohammadpur, resulted in the recovery of approximately Tk 3.11 crore in local and foreign currencies.
The properties in question, located at house numbers 29/2 and 29/3, Block F, Babar Road, were searched following a tip-off.
A significant corruption scandal has come to light involving high-ranking officials and widespread misconduct across various sectors.
Recently recovered assets from Harunur Rashid, Executive Engineer of Public Works, include 44 lakhs in cash, half a kilogramme of gold, and 12,000 dollars.
In a related development, former ICT State Minister Junaid Ahmed Palak has been implicated as one of the leading figures in the country’s information and technology sector mafia.
During his tenure under the Awami government, Palak is alleged to have misappropriated tens of thousands of crores of taka.
It is claimed that Palak, due to his close association with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajib Wazed Joy, exploited his position to tarnish her reputation and engage in illicit activities.
Palak and his wife, Arifa Jasmine Kanika, are reported to have amassed a vast fortune, with substantial investments in the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The situation has worsened with the transfer of at least 14 police officials, including one who aided former police Chief Benazir Ahmed in fleeing the country.
A notification issued by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mainul Islam on Thursday confirmed these transfers.
Notably, Shaheda Sultana, currently serving in the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), assisted Benazir in bypassing airport immigration on the night of May 4 this year. Shaheda, who is a trusted confidante of the former police chief, has been reassigned to the Rajshahi Range DIG office.
Additional allegations have surfaced against Matiur Rahman, who is notorious for his involvement in the goat scandal.
Matur is accused of accumulating illegal assets worth hundreds of crores of taka during his tenure as a government employee.
Media reports indicate that he abused his authority to amass this considerable wealth.
Experts and analysts have urged the interim government to overhaul the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
They advocate for the removal of corrupt officials and their replacement with honest and competent individuals.
This reform is deemed crucial for uncovering the full extent of corruption under the fallen government.
Concerns have also been raised about syndicate trading in various government sectors.
Reports indicate that bureaucrats, managing directors of banks, chairpersons, engineers, and businessmen have formed syndicates, leading to the embezzlement of billions of taka.
Many financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, leasing firms, and joint stock companies, have been driven to bankruptcy due to these syndicates.
Infrastructural development projects, including roads, flyovers, bridges, culverts, government housing, office infrastructure, hospitals, universities, and schools, have also been marred by corruption.
The health sector has been similarly affected, with syndicates controlling everything from diagnostic equipment to life-saving medicines and hospital supplies.
The ICD sector, aimed at building a “Digital Bangladesh,” has witnessed the misappropriation of thousands of crores of taka.
The defence sector, particularly the procurement of police administration equipment and government housing, has not been spared from irregularities and corruption.