The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate former fisheries and livestock minister Sh M Rezaul Karim and former minister of state for labour and employment Begum Mannujan Sufian, along with five others, for alleged corruption.
The decision was made by the commission on Sunday, as confirmed by senior ACC sources.
The investigation will extend to Mannujan Sufian’s APS (Assistant Private Secretary) and younger brother Md Shahabuddin, Shahabuddin's daughter Shamima Sultana Hridoy, and his nephew Yasir Arafat Prithibi.
The ACC aims to probe allegations of corruption and illicit assets amassed by these individuals both domestically and internationally.
The five individuals are accused of money laundering, project irregularities, and accumulating substantial illegal assets.
The commission’s decision to launch this investigation is based on information gathered by its intelligence unit.
Sh M Rezaul Karim was elected from the Pirojpur-1 constituency under the “boat” symbol in the 12th national parliamentary election and was re-elected in 2018. During his tenure, he initially served as minister for housing and public works before taking on the role of minister for fisheries and livestock.
Allegations against Rezaul include the misuse of power to engage in various corrupt practices and acquiring illegal assets through numerous irregularities.
It is claimed that he amassed substantial movable and immovable properties in Pirojpur’s Nazirpur and various locations in Dhaka.
The commission also found that during his tenure at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Rezaul is accused to have embezzled Tk25 crore under the guise of purchasing equipment and training for a livestock and dairy development project.
Additionally, he is accused of building considerable wealth both domestically and abroad.
According to ACC sources, preliminary evidence suggests that Rezaul amassed wealth far exceeding his known income, both in his name and through his associates and family members, prompting the ACC to authorize a public inquiry.
Meanwhile, Mannujan Sufian was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Khulna-3 constituency in 2008, 2014, and 2018. She did not receive an Awami League ticket in the recent 12th national parliamentary election.
Allegations against Sufian include corruption and illegal asset accumulation through abuse of power.
Her APS Md Shahabuddin, his daughter Shamima Sultana Hridoy, and her nephew Yasir Arafat Prithibi are also implicated in these charges.
The ACC has reported that Sufian acquired several properties, including a 5-katha plot in Uttara, Dhaka, land and a three-story house in Khulna, and other assets such as vehicles.
Additionally, through various appointments and promotions, her APS Shahabuddin, and his family members allegedly embezzled substantial amounts of money.
