ACC launches inquiry against ex-PM Hasina, her family members

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an investigation into allegations that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members, including Tulip Siddiq, embezzled money through various projects, including over $5.0 billion (Tk 590 billion) from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).
A senior ACC official confirmed it on Tuesday.
The inquiry followed a High Court directive issued in response to a writ petition filed by Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), on September 3. The petition called for an investigation into the allegations and challenged the ACC's inaction regarding the Rooppur project.
On December 15, the High Court issued a rule asking the ACC to explain why its inaction in investigating the matter should not be declared illegal.
The allegations stem from newspaper reports published on August 19 citing information from Global Defense Corporation, an international investigative organisation specialising in military and defense sector corruption.
According to the report, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, implemented by Russia's state-owned company Rosatom, allegedly facilitated the embezzlement of $5.0 billion.
The funds were funneled through a Malaysian bank, with mediation reportedly handled by Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Tulip Siddiq.
The project was initially estimated at $12.65 billion, a cost significantly higher than required, creating opportunities for large-scale embezzlement.
Global Defense Corporation claims that Tulip Siddiq acted as the key mediator in striking the deal between Sheikh Hasina's government and Russia. In exchange for her role, Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Rehana, and other family members allegedly received 30 per cent of the embezzled funds.
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