Ex minister, state minister to face investigation

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday decided to investigate corruption and irregularities allegedly committed by a former minister and a state minister of the immediate-past government, and five other individuals.
Former Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim and former State Minister for Labour and Employment Monnujan Sufian, and the individuals including Mannujan's APS (younger brother) Mohammad Shahabuddin have allegedly amassed a vast wealth through corruption and irregularities.
According to sources at the ACC, the inquiry against them will cover allegations of money laundering, project irregularities, and accumulation of substantial illegal assets.
The allegations against SM Rezaul Karim, a two-time parliament member from Pirojpur-1 constituency and served as the minister of Fisheries and Livestock and the minister of Housing and Public Works, include the misuse of power to be involved in various corrupt and unethical activities, leading to the illegal accumulation of wealth.
He reportedly owns immovable property in Pirojpur, Barisal, and various locations in Dhaka.
During his tenure at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, it is alleged that he embezzled around Tk 250 million under the guise of purchasing equipment and providing training for the Livestock and Dairy Development Project.
Accusations also include owning one car and substantial domestic and international assets.
The ACC has found initial evidence that supports allegations against SM Rezaul Karim, including acquiring assets beyond his known sources of income in his name and that of his affiliates and relatives. As a result, the ACC has approved an inquiry into these allegations.
On the other hand, Mannujan Sufian, who was elected from the Khulna-3 constituency in 2008, 2014, and 2018, did not receive a ticket from the Awami League in the 12th National Parliament election.
Allegations against Mannujan and her associates - APS younger brother Mohammad Shahabuddin, Shahabuddin's daughter Shamima Sultana Hriday, his nephew Yashir Arafat Prithibi - include corruption and unethical activities leading to illegal wealth accumulation.
The allegations include acquiring significant assets such as 5.0 katha of Rajuk land in North Dhaka's Sector 10, property in Saheb Bari Road, Maheshwar Pasha, Doulatpur, Khulna, a three-story house, two cars, and 16.07 katha of land in Mowthuri Housing.
Furthermore, it is alleged that her APS younger brother Mohammad Shahabuddin, Shahabuddin's daughter Shamima Sultana Hriday, and nephew Yashir Arafat Prithibi embezzled large sums of money through various appointments, postings, and promotions.

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