Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen has submitted his wealth statement to the ACC Reform Commission.
"I have officially submitted my asset declaration. Other commissioners will also make submissions," he said while exchanging views with journalists on Sunday. During the event, journalists shared their opinions about the ACC's past and present activities.
On December 11, just a day after assuming office, the chairman announced that he would make his complete asset, income, and expenditure details public within seven days. On the same day, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) called upon the new ACC chairman and commissioners to ensure transparency by publicly declaring their assets and financial details.
Providing a detailed account of his assets, the chairman revealed that he owns a 1,500-square-foot apartment in Basila, comprised of two adjoining units of 750 square feet each, with plans to expand by another 700 square feet. Additionally, he and his wife own a five-katha plot in Purbachal American City. "I am also a member of a BCS Administration Committee that owns a 10-katha plot, of which my share is 1.25 katha."
He also mentioned having deposited Tk 75,000 for a Rajuk plot, which has not yet been allotted. "For some reason, the government did not allocate it to me. I plan to re-apply," he said, adding that he has no other immovable assets.
About his movable assets, the chairman said, "I own a collection of books that fills 25 shelves, including some rare and expensive ones. My furniture and electronics are worth nearly Tk 500,000. I hold a five-year savings certificate worth Tk 3.0 million and another savings certificate worth Tk 2.0 million, which pays interest quarterly. My General Provident Fund (GPF) has a balance of Tk 1.7 million, which I have not yet withdrawn."
Regarding his sources of income, he explained, "My earnings primarily come from my job, inherited assets, teaching, lecturing, and writing. At one point, I sold a small plot outside Beribadh, which I had purchased earlier, to generate some additional funds.
"I have had a long career, and I started earning during my student life. Once I retire, you can evaluate how my assets have grown or declined over time.
"We are fortunate to be serving at a time when there is no political government. The interim government was established to meet public expectations, and it is a product of the people's will. If this government had not been formed and the revolution of August 5 had not taken place, we wouldn't have this opportunity."
He also highlighted an unprecedented event, saying, "In the history of the world, we have never seen both the prime minister and the imam of Baitul Mukarram flee at the same time. It's an extraordinary incident. While protests have resulted in heads of state and prime ministers fleeing into other countries, religious leaders like popes or priests have never done so. This is a unique phenomenon in Bangladesh."
The chairman concluded by emphasising the pervasive corruption across all sectors of the state and urged the media to play a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the issue.
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