Ex-President Hamid under ACC inquiry
Staff Reporter :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations that former president Abdul Hamid misused his authority to carry out a Tk24 crore beautification project around his private residence in Nikunja-1, Dhaka.
ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain confirmed the development today on Sunday.
“ACC never considers a person’s status when conducting an inquiry or investigation,” he said.
If confirmed, Hamid would become only the second former president in Bangladesh’s history to face an ACC probe over corruption charges, after Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who was convicted and jailed for graft.
According to ACC sources, the allegations involve the misuse of office to execute high-cost development, landscaping, and decorative works around Hamid’s three-storey duplex on Lake Drive Road, Plot-6, Nikunja-1.
The reported amenities include a custom walkway, decorative deck and suspension-style bridge, modern lamp posts, and renovation of the adjoining canal—largely aimed at his personal convenience.
While canal renovations were linked to the broader Rajuk development plan under the Purbachal New Town project, the beautification work around Hamid’s residence was not part of any approved project. Public funds exceeding Tk24 crore were reportedly spent on the works.
ACC DG Akhtar Hossain stressed that the commission evaluates complaints based on evidence, not the status of the individual. “We look at the objectivity and relevance of the allegations. If the complaint has merit, the Commission can open an inquiry against anyone,” he said.
Hamid moved into the Nikunja residence in April 2023 after over a decade as president. The area remained heavily secured during his stay, restricting public movement. He reportedly vacated the property following political changes on 5 August 2024, and it now stands abandoned.
Background of the Property Rajuk documents show Hamid applied for the plot under the MP quota after being elected to parliament in 1996. He was allocated a three-katha plot on 5 October 1997, registering it for Tk4.5 lakh. The building design was approved in 2011.
Sources note that several influential figures from the former ruling Awami League—ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and business associates—own upscale homes in Nikunja, many of whom are currently reported to be absconding.
Notable names include former whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, Sheikh Hasina’s relative Mohammad Hossain Serniabat, ex-press secretary Naeemul Islam Khan, journalist and former adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former Chhatra League president Bahadur Bepari, and Sweden Awami League leader Kazi Shah Alam.