Following the collapse of the Awami League government amid last year’s student-led uprising, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified its investigations into allegations of financial misconduct, targeting former ministers, MPs, and high-ranking officials.
What was once unthinkable under the previous administration has now become a judicial priority, as cases of embezzlement, enforced disappearances, and financial irregularities come to light.
Many of those implicated are already behind bars, facing trial under the newly invigorated anti-graft measures.
Traditionally, allegations of corruption have been more prevalent among bureaucrats, as reflected in ACC’s statistical records.
However, this trend shifted significantly following the political upheaval of 5 August last year.
According to ACC data, from 1 January to 4 August 2023, only three cases were filed against opposition politicians.
In stark contrast, between 5 August and 31 December, the commission filed cases against 23 former ministers and MPs.
The momentum continued into 2024, with January alone witnessing legal proceedings against over 50 political figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The surge in corruption allegations is not limited to political circles alone; citizens, emboldened by the regime change, have been lodging complaints with the ACC in unprecedented numbers.
Since 5 August 2023, hundreds of corruption complaints have been filed daily, leading to formal investigations into financial mismanagement, money laundering, and illicit wealth accumulation.
Surging complaints and investigations
Statistics highlight the dramatic shift in accountability.
Throughout 2024, the ACC received 15,842 corruption complaints, of which only 533 were investigated before 4 August.
However, between 5 August and 31 December, the commission recorded 8,625 fresh complaints, leading to 1,361 official investigations.
Cases have been filed against over 500 individuals, including former ministers, MPs, and their associates.
The commission’s operations were temporarily hampered in November and early December due to a leadership transition, but activities have since resumed with renewed urgency.
According to official figures, the ACC filed 374 cases in 2023, implicating 958 individuals.
Among them, 381 were government officials, 23 were politicians, while the remainder comprised private-sector executives, businesspersons, and local representatives.
That same year, 354 charge sheets were filed, naming 1,415 defendants, including 560 civil servants and 14 political figures.
ACC Spokesperson and Director General (Prevention) Akhter Hossain acknowledged the spike in allegations post-5 August, confirming that the commission is prioritising legal action against former ministers and MPs, particularly those already in custody, to prevent their release on bail.
He assured that civil servants accused of corruption would also face legal action in due course.
High-profile figures under investigation
Sources indicate that the ACC launched its initial round of investigations against over 100 former ministers, MPs, and high-ranking Awami League figures based on post-5 August complaints.
Those under scrutiny include former ministers Hasan Mahmud, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Anisul Huq, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Shajahan Khan, Tipu Munshi, Dipu Moni and Tajul Islam.
Further investigations extend to former ministers Imran Ahmad, Sadhan Chandra Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Zahid Maleque and Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury.
Notable figures also include former speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former deputy speaker Shamsul Hoque Tuku, and former prime minister’s adviser Salman F Rahman.
Additionally, former ministers Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, AHM Mustafa Kamal, SM Rezaul Karim, Hasanul Haq Inu and several former state ministers, MPs, and political heavyweights are under investigation.
Many of them already face lawsuits for illicit wealth accumulation and money laundering, while charges are being finalised against others.
The ACC’s renewed focus on tackling corruption saw a significant development on 10 December, when the restructured commission decided to probe financial irregularities involving Sheikh Hasina and over 100 former ministers and MPs.
Multiple lawsuits have since been filed against her and members of her inner circle, with further investigations ongoing.
As Bangladesh navigates a transformative phase in its political history, the unfolding anti-corruption drive signals a decisive shift in accountability and governance.
