The Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to launch a probe against Liaquat Ali Lucky, the director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, on charges of embezzlement and abuse of power.
The anti-graft watchdog took the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
A team led by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Ibrahim will investigate the matter.
The ACC received allegations against Liaquat Ali Lucky, a prominent cultural figure who has been at the helm of the institution for more than 12 years, several months ago.
His contract was last renewed for three years on April 13 last year.
He was accused of embezzling Tk26 crore by appointing a director on contractual basis abusing power and violating the rules and regulations of the academy, according to the complaint.
When the former secretary of Shilpakala Academy, Nowshad Hossain, was transferred on June 30 last year, the DG issued a new order the same day and appointed Syeda Mahbuba Karim, the contract director of the academy, as the secretary.
In his order, Mahbuba was asked to perform additional duties until a new secretary arrived. Mahbuba continued her duty from June 30 to July 19.
On the first day, the DG withdrew about Tk26 crore using her signature on various cheques.