ACC okays graft cases against Nizam, Farida Yasmin

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved separate cases against former Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naim Nizam and his wife, former reserved-seat lawmaker Farida Yasmin, over allegations of acquiring wealth beyond their known sources of income and money laundering.

ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan disclosed the decision at a press briefing on Wednesday, 23 September.

According to the ACC, Naim Nizam allegedly acquired and possessed assets worth Tk 2.08 crore beyond his known sources of income. The commission also identified transactions totalling Tk 39.39 crore through 19 bank accounts operated in the names of organisations linked to his interests.

The ACC alleged that Farida Yasmin acquired assets worth Tk 2.74 crore beyond her known sources of income. It also identified transactions amounting to Tk 21.09 crore through 17 bank accounts operated in the names of organisations linked to her interests.

The commission alleges that the funds were generated through bribery and corruption and were subsequently transferred, handed over or converted in an attempt to conceal or disguise their alleged illegal origin. These remain allegations and will be subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

According to the ACC, the case against Naim Nizam is being brought under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, and Sections 4(2) and 4(3) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.

Farida Yasmin faces allegations under the same provisions, along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

Earlier, a court ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Naim Nizam, Farida Yasmin and members of their family following an ACC petition.

Neither Naim Nizam nor Farida Yasmin has been convicted in connection with these allegations, and the filing or approval of a case does not establish guilt.