ACC files case against ex-BFIU chief

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Masud Biswas, former head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), over allegations of acquiring assets beyond known sources of income.
The case was filed on Thursday as confirmed by ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain.
Additionally, the anti-graft body sought a wealth statement from Masud Biswas's wife, Kamrun Nahar, as she is also accused of acquiring illicit assets.
According to Akhter Hossain, the case against Masud Biswas involves the acquisition of Tk 18.7 million worth of unexplained wealth.
The ACC had initiated an inquiry into corruption allegations against Masud Biswas in September last. This case follows his resignation on August 5, shortly after the fall of the deposed Sheikh Hasina government.
Masud Biswas has been appointed as the BFIU head by the government. Biswas assumed office on November 30, 2021. Earlier, he was the Deputy Head of the BFIU. In his two terms as the Deputy Head, Biswas played a key role in developing a strong and effective anti money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Bangladesh.
Biswas began his career with Bangladesh Bank as an Assistant Director in 1988. He has 33 years of extensive central banking career.
Meanwhile, the ACC on the day filed another case against Sudhangshu Shekhar Bhadra, former Director General of the Bangladesh Postal Department, accusing him of embezzling Tk 919.4 million.
The latest case alleges irregularities and corruption during his tenure as the project director of the Post e-Center for Rural Community project.
The case was filed with the ACC's integrated district office by Assistant Director Md. Tanzil Hasan.
On August 20, the ACC had filed a case against Sudhangshu Shekhar and Deputy Postmaster General Mostak Ahmed for causing financial losses of Tk 151.10 million related to the project.
According to the case statement, Sudhangshu Shekhar is accused of misusing his authority and committing fraud to misappropriate Tk 919.4 million.
The charges fall under Sections 409 and 420 of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. He has allegedly violated project terms by purchasing thousands of devices, including UPS units, which were never put to use.
On October 15 last, the ACC arrested Sudhangshu Shekhar. However, he was later released on anticipatory bail.

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