ACC to launch graft inquiry against two former MPs, one university VC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday decided to launch inquiries into allegations against two former members of parliament (MPs) and a former vice-chancellor (VC) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University (BDU) for their alleged involvement in corruption, misuse of power, and accumulating illegal wealth.
The two former lawmakers and one ex- vice-chancellor are: Md Sadek Khan, former lawmaker from Dhaka-13 constituency, Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince, former lawmaker for Pabna-5, and Prof Dr Munaz Ahmed Noor, the former BDU VC.
ACC spokesman Aktarul Islam confirmed it to the FE.
These cases represent ongoing efforts by Bangladesh's anti-graft watchdog agency to address corruption and ensure accountability among public officials, he added.
Sources from the ACC have confirmed that the initial findings in these cases seem credible, prompting the commission to launch an inquiry into their assets.
MP Sadek Khan is accused of misusing his power to illegally acquire properties in various markets in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, by occupying the land owned by people in the Hindu community, according to ACC sources. Hindus, being much fewer in numbers, are more susceptible to be the victim of power abuse in Bangladesh.
These properties include several markets named after him, such as: Sadek Khan Chicken Market, Sadek Khan Dry Fish Market, Sadek Khan Brick Market, Sadek Khan Sand Market, and a petrol station.
Sadek Khan also owns non-agricultural land worth Tk 14.1 million, a joint property worth Tk 13.1 million (with a 50 per cent share), an apartment valued at Tk 1.19 million, and vehicles worth Tk 1.05 million. His wife also reportedly holds properties and assets amounting to Tk 5.2 million, according to his election affidavit.
Investigators believe he has amassed substantial undisclosed wealth through corrupt practices, leading the ACC to initiate a formal inquiry.
Meanwhile, Golam Faruk has been accused of corruption and accumulating illegal wealth during his tenure, according to the ACC sources.
His affidavit reveals a significant increase in his assets, from Tk 4.79 million in 2008 to Tk 75.61 million in 2023.
He has substantial bank deposits, investments in shares, savings certificates, and real estate, including agricultural land and a flat in Dhanmondi.
Golam Faruk is reported to have Tk 36 million in bank deposits, investments in shares valued at Tk 0.4 million, and savings certificates worth Tk 30 million.
Additionally, he has purchased buses, trucks, and other vehicles valued at Tk 7.7 million. Sources also allege that he owns a significant amount of properties abroad. The ACC is investigating his alleged involvement in acquiring illegal wealth both at home and abroad.
Moreover, the ex-VC Dr Munaz, is under inquiry for irregularities in university projects, according to the sources from the ACC.
In one such project, a data lab was set up before receiving approval for the Bachelor of Science in Data Management and Analytics in BDU. The lab cost Tk 59.46 million, and it is alleged that contracts were awarded without proper evaluation, which led the authorities to suspicions about probable financial misconduct, ACC sources said.
The project was initiated and in-progress when the university started academic activities in March 2019, and in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

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