DHAKA— Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought official records of appointments, promotions and transfers made under the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the tenure of former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities.
The ACC has also requested documents relating to the temporary assignments, cancellation of those assignments and subsequent postings of 38 upazila youth development officers.
In a letter sent to the secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Thursday, ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Zahid Kalam, who is leading the investigation team, asked the ministry to provide the requested information and records by Sept. 10.
The inquiry covers allegations against Asif Mahmud, former Youth and Sports Ministry Secretary Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Zobaid Hossain and Deputy Secretary Mohammad Masum Ahmed.
Documents sought
The commission has asked for records concerning all appointments, promotions and transfers of ministry officials and employees made while Asif Mahmud was serving as an adviser.
It also sought certified copies of documents relating to transfers carried out under two memoranda issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on May 7, 2025, and April 18, 2026.
The ACC requested certified copies of records concerning the temporary assignment of 38 upazila youth development officers, the subsequent cancellation of those assignments and their later postings.
It also asked for certified copies of the personal files of several assistant upazila youth development officers working at the field level, as well as relevant rules, regulations and other records that could assist the investigation.
Alleged bribery in promotions and postings
The ACC announced on Wednesday that it had opened an inquiry into allegations of corruption involving Asif Mahmud and the three other officials.
The allegations include the collection of bribes in connection with promotions and transfers of upazila and assistant upazila youth development officers, as well as alleged irregularities in government tenders and procurement through a syndicate.
According to the ACC, allegations include the collection of Tk 7.6 million ($76 lakh) in connection with the cancellation of temporary assignments and subsequent postings of 38 upazila youth development officers.
The commission is also investigating allegations that Tk 10.5 million was taken in exchange for the promotion of 150 assistant upazila youth development officers, with a further Tk 20 million allegedly collected for securing preferred postings after promotion.
The ACC said the records were being collected to establish whether the allegations against Asif Mahmud and the other officials have merit.
A four-member special investigation team, headed by Deputy Director Mohammad Zahid Kalam, is conducting the inquiry.
The allegations have not been proven, and the investigation is ongoing.
COMMENTS