ACC fails to meet public expectations despite asset seizures
Noman Mosharef :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the constitutionally mandated body tasked with eradicating corruption in Bangladesh, has struggled to achieve meaningful progress since the mass student-led uprising on 5 August last year.
According to sources familiar with the matter, there is a growing perception among the public that the ACC’s performance has fallen short, particularly in the wake of the collapse of the previous regime.
Aside from a few high-profile actions against former ministers, MPs, and officials, little tangible progress has been observed in curbing widespread irregularities, embezzlement, bribery, and fraud.
A review of the ACC’s activities over the past eight months indicates that the institution has not met public expectations. However, the Commission has been active in pursuing asset seizures from individuals accused of corruption, including politicians, business figures, and government officials. These assets comprise houses, flats, commercial properties, and plots of land.
From July to February, courts issued 74 seizure orders at the request of the ACC. These covered approximately 192 acres of land, 28 buildings, 38 flats, 15 plots, 23 vehicles, and three ships. The estimated value of assets seized domestically and abroad totals around Tk 100 billion (Tk 10,000 crore), according to ACC officials.
On 30 April, a Dhaka court ordered the seizure of land and properties belonging to members of the Sheikh family, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and her children Azmina Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique.
Following the change in political leadership, the ACC has reportedly become more active. During the Awami League’s tenure, the Commission was criticised for being selective in its investigations – often initiating cases against individuals who had fallen out of favour or whose misconduct had already been widely reported in the media.
The ACC’s leadership, appointed during the Awami League era – Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, Commissioner (Investigation) Md Zahurul Haque, and Commissioner (Inquiry) Mosammat Asiya Khatun – resigned on 29 October.
Despite a short-lived increase in visible activity during their final days, insiders suggest this was largely superficial.
On 10 December, President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Senior Secretary Mohammad Abdul Momen as the new ACC Chairman, with Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Siddiqui and Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid appointed as Commissioners.
Under the new leadership, the ACC has intensified its efforts to recover illicit wealth, regularly appealing to the courts for asset seizure orders.
Although the ACC has yet to produce a comprehensive list of individuals whose properties have been seized, many names have emerged through media reports and official sources.
In addition to the Sheikh family, assets belonging to several former ministers and MPs – including Tajul Islam, Nasrul Hamid, Enamur Rahman, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Mirza Azam, Zakir Hossain, and Jannat Ara Henry – have been confiscated. Property owned by Sheikh Hasina’s advisor, Salman F Rahman, has also been seized.
At a meeting of the inter-agency task force on 16 April, it was revealed that courts had ordered the seizure of shares worth Tk 170 billion (Tk 17,000 crore) linked to the Sheikh family and ten major industrial groups.
Additionally, around Tk 40 billion (Tk 4,000 crore) in various bank accounts has been frozen, and travel bans have been imposed on 84 individuals.
ACC sources report that asset seizure appeals are made once investigations are initiated, followed by charge sheets upon completion.
If the accused are convicted, courts may permanently confiscate their illegal assets in favour of the state. However, recovering assets located overseas remains a prolonged and complex legal process.
Among government officials targeted is Md. Shamsul Alam Milky, former assistant director of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), accused of constructing an eight-storey building in Dhaka’s Uttara through corrupt means.
The caretaker of the building, Md Sohel Mia, confirmed that the structure includes 10 flats, with rental income totalling approximately Tk 250,000 per month, which was handed over to ACC officials following collection.
Notably, the majority of individuals under investigation or facing legal action were linked to the previous administration. Historically, the ACC has rarely acted against those currently in power.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman commented that the ACC must also pursue allegations against individuals currently holding power if it is to demonstrate impartiality and effectiveness.
He acknowledged that asset confiscation, although a complex legal process, ultimately benefits the state if upheld by court rulings.
A recent recommendation from the ACC Reform Commission proposes allocating 10 per cent of confiscated wealth to the Commission itself. The aim is to create an incentive mechanism and help establish a dedicated operational fund.