Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has accused ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her entire family of being "thieves."
Speaking at an event organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday, the adviser criticized the unchecked power the Hasina-led administration had enjoyed, saying that both the ACC and judiciary had become subservient to her.
Asif Nazrul called on ACC officials to prove their worth, urging them to demonstrate that, in a conducive environment, they could effectively investigate corruption.
Reflecting on his generation's rise to wealth, the adviser expressed disappointment that many individuals had gained their fortunes without merit but showed no remorse or shame.
He said corruption had become so normalized in society that people no longer questioned the source of someone’s wealth but celebrated it.
The law adviser also singled out the financial dealings of Hasina's family, noting how speculation about their wealth had been widespread but unchallenged by the ACC or judiciary.
In contrast, he cited the case of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who had been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a procedural error involving Tk3 crore, while no action had been taken against Hasina’s family despite allegations of corruption.
Asif Nazrul recalled a personal experience in which he had been asked for Tk10 lakh in bribe during the registration of a flat.
He questioned whether such corruption had been indirectly encouraged by Hasina.
The adviser referenced a hadith that stated that prayers of those who earned illicit wealth were not accepted.
The adviser also urged the ACC to prove its ability to tackle corruption following the resignation of three of its commissioners.
He called for a complete overhaul of the system to rid the country of corruption and injustice.
Meanwhile, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, the head of the ACC Reform Commission, voiced his embarrassment over the scale of corruption uncovered during the reform process, calling for decisive action to dismantle the corrupt system.
He emphasized the need for positive changes in the country's bureaucracy and political culture to allow for meaningful anti-corruption efforts.
Iftekharuzzaman said discrimination and corruption had become normalized within the ACC.
The TIB chief stressed that if the dreams of the nation’s youth were to be realized, there was no alternative to drastic reforms.