The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an enquiry into allegations of corruption against former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation Dr Selina Hayat Ivy and former lawmakers Ayesha Ferdaus and Ranajit Kumar Roy.
ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam has confirmed the news of the enquiry.
Following Ivy's election as mayor, she reportedly appointed Abul Hossain as her personal assistant, who is accused of extorting 'huge money' from auto-rickshaw operators.
Additionally, Ivy is said to own several flats in Narayanganj, and her driver allegedly possesses two properties in different locations.
The enquiry also extends to Ivy's brothers, who face accusations of siphoning funds from a waste management project in Siddhirganj.
There are further claims that Ivy demolished a historic club to build a market and unlawfully occupied 18 acres of railway land to develop Sheikh Russel Park.
The ACC's preliminary findings suggest that Ivy, along with her close associates, amassed substantial wealth through illegal means, prompting the anti-graft watchdog to pursue a full investigation into her assets and activities.
Ayesha Ferdaus, once an ordinary housewife with no notable income before 2009, has reportedly amassed significant wealth through the misuse of power, corruption and questionable dealings following her election as an MP, according to a statement.
It also stated that her assets include a multi-storey building in Hatiya Bazar, a three-storey house and a four-storey market in Pushali Bazar.
In addition, her husband holds substantial amounts of cash, bank deposits, vehicles, and operates a lucrative fishery business.
Both domestically and abroad, Ferdaus is believed to have accumulated these illegal riches, either in her own name or through associates and family members.
The statement also revealed suspicions that Ranajit, an ex-MP from Jessore-4 constituency, amassed substantial illegal wealth by abusing his authority.
In the 2008 national election, he declared assets amounting to Tk 0.41 million, including Tk 70, 000 under his wife's name and Tk 15, 000 in gold.
However, by 2023, these assets dramatically increased to Tk 44.9 million, with his wife's assets growing to Tk 14.7 million.
Additionally, his son Rajib earned a 5.0-percent commission from a contracting firm. The family also owns properties in Salt Lake, India.
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