The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
A five-member special team of ACC officials is leading the inquiry, examining claims of financial irregularities totalling $5 billion.
According to multiple sources, the project—initially envisioned to address Bangladesh’s growing energy demands—has been overshadowed by allegations implicating Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy, and her niece Tulip Siddiq.
The trio is accused of siphoning $5 billion from the inflated $12.65 billion project through offshore bank accounts in Malaysia.
The accusations centre on questionable procurement practices and alleged misuse of funds. Reports suggest substantial sums were diverted to offshore accounts, raising concerns about the integrity of the project and the handling of public funds.
Corruption Allegations Against Tulip Siddiq’s Family
Tulip Siddiq’s family members have also been implicated in a broader corruption network.
Her paternal uncle, Tarique Ahmed Siddique, who serves as a security adviser, along with his wife and daughter, are said to be stakeholders in Prochchaya Limited, a fraudulent company tied to Destiny Group.
Investigations allege that $900 million was laundered through this entity to various countries, including the United Kingdom.
Further claims suggest Tulip Siddiq, a Labour Party MP, has covert ties to Moscow, stemming from a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A UK-based company, Zumana Investment & Properties Limited, allegedly linked to laundered funds, is also under scrutiny.
Allegations Against Sajeeb Wazed
Additional allegations link Sajeeb Wazed to a money-laundering scandal first flagged in the United States in 2014.
An investigation by a US intelligence agency uncovered financial scams involving offshore accounts in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands, with funds transferred to accounts in Washington, New York, and London.
Evidence uncovered by the agency includes the deposit of $300 million into US bank accounts, allegedly linked to Wazed.
This was confirmed by Linda Samuels, Senior Trial Attorney for the Department of Justice, in collaboration with Special Agent La Prevot.
Tk80,000 Crore Scandal Enveloping Nine Projects
The ACC has expanded its investigation to include allegations of Tk80,000 crore in corruption against Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed, Sheikh Rehana, and Tulip Siddiq.
These allegations span nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project, undertaken during the Awami League government from 2009 to 2023.
ACC’s special enquiry team has already obtained preliminary identity documents from the Election Commission and the Immigration and Passport Department.
A requisition has also been sent to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) to procure statements of offshore bank accounts held by the accused individuals.
The inquiry marks a pivotal moment in addressing claims of mismanagement and potential abuse of power in one of Bangladesh's largest infrastructure projects.
