The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to institute an enquiry into allegations of abuse of power, corruption and accumulation of ill-gotten wealth by a handful of high-profile individuals.
The key figures under investigation include Mahfuzur Rahman Mita, former MP of Chattogram-03, Nasimul Alam Chowdhury, former MP of Cumilla-08, and Zahurul Islam Chakladar, former mayor of Jashore.
On Thursday, the ACC headquarters made the decision to proceed with an enquiry after initial intelligence reports provided evidence supporting the allegations against these individuals.
ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam confirmed this matter to the FE.
Mahfuz Mita
ACC sources said Mita served in parliament three times in 2014, 2018 and 2024.
During his tenure, the former Chattogram-03 lawmaker allegedly misused his authority to engage in sleaze, acquiring illegal assets at home and abroad.
His annual income in 2014 was reported at Tk 4.7 million, which increased to Tk 9.4 million over the last decade-an increase of 101.2 per cent. His movable assets also grew by over 199.23 per cent, while his wife, Mahmuda Mahfuz, saw a 190-per cent increase in both movable and immovable assets.
According to an ACC enquiry, the couple illegally acquired assets like plots in Purbachal, a building in Motijheel, flats in Gulshan, a plot in Uttara's Diabari and land in Sandwip.
They have also been linked to huge money laundered abroad, particularly through Mita's money-exchange business.
Nasimul Chowdhury
ACC sources said Nasimul Alam Chowdhury, the former Cumilla-07 lawmaker, has been accused of abusing his position to amass illegal wealth.
It was revealed that he invested Tk 15.7 million in BJ Geotextile Ltd and he owns two flats in Banani DOHS and Nikunja, along with approximately 17 shops in Cumilla.
Additionally, he has ownership of two multi-storey houses and about 450 decimals of land in the district. Given the evidence of unaccounted wealth, sources added, the ACC has decided to launch a formal investigation.
Zahurul Chakladar
ACC sources said former mayor of Jashore Zahurul Islam Chakladar had no significant wealth before assuming office in 2016.
However, he later acquired massive assets. He was involved in large-scale irregularities during 2018 road construction projects and mismanagement of drainage and waste systems, through which he illegally seized 40 acres of land.
He also built a big mansion on 100 bighas of land in Jashore's Arabpur area, built a feed mill on 20 bighas in Rupdia Bazar and a luxurious house in Kazipara.
Allegations have it that Mr Chakladar exploited his position as president of several educational institutions in Bagharpara, Jashore, profiting from illegal recruitment activities.
sajibur@gmail.com