TDS Desk:

AHM Mustafa Kamal, widely known as Lotus Kamal, is a sports enthusiast and former president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He is also known for his family’s ownership of the Comilla Victorians franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Once a fan of cricket all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan, Kamal is now being described by critics as an ‘all-rounder’ in corruption.

From his alleged involvement in the 2009–10 stock market scam to misuse of power in project allocation, loan disbursements, tender manipulation, and manpower export, Kamal’s name has surfaced in multiple sectors. Critics claim his influence has left a lasting mark on the country’s financial system.

A chartered accountant by profession, Kamal served five terms as an MP from Cumilla-10 and held top positions in the Awami League government, including Minister of Planning and Minister of Finance. Despite his public pledge to curb loan defaults, non-performing loans reportedly reached historic highs during his tenure. Allegations suggest that he played a central role in the rise of banking sector irregularities, particularly by enabling S Alam Group to control nine banks. Bribery in board formation and top appointments also came under scrutiny.

He is accused of misusing authority to appoint bank chairmen and forcing state-owned banks to approve loans in favour of preferred companies. Several sources claim that Kamal institutionalised bribery in loan disbursements, setting a controversial precedent.

Kamal’s links to widespread corruption allegedly extend to project syndicates, political appointments, and local-level development schemes. His former APS KM Singh Ratan reportedly acted as a ‘shadow minister’, controlling recruitment, transfers, and promotions across key institutions in exchange for commissions. Allegations also surround his close ties with S Alam Group, with claims of asset embezzlement and laundering under the names of his family members.

In affidavits submitted to the Election Commission, Kamal declared assets of Tk41.90 crore, while his wife’s wealth was stated to be Tk62.27 crore. His fixed assets were worth Tk2.30 crore, while his wife declared Tk5.42 crore. Kamal said the reduction in his wealth was due to donations to his wife, daughters, and five grandchildren—including Tk2.04 crore in shares to daughter Nafisa Kamal and Tk31 crore in property to other family members. However, questions remain about the actual extent of his wealth, with claims suggesting his assets run into thousands of crores.

Kamal has also been accused of favouring his native Cumilla in project selection while holding the Planning Ministry. For instance, he allegedly made inclusion of Cumilla a condition for approving the Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre. The project, built near his residence on 10.5 acres of land, had an estimated cost of Tk533.54 crore. Locals say the rural-based centre has failed to deliver tangible results and was used primarily to benefit his own syndicate, which handled supplies and construction work.

Despite this, in September 2023, another project—a proposed Knowledge Park worth Tk175 crore—was launched nearby. To date, only boundary walls have been completed.

Records show that from 2013 to July 2023, Tk19.68 crore was allocated for 42 canal excavation projects in Cumilla’s Sadar South, Nangalkot, and Adarsha Sadar upazilas. A case was filed on 14 October by the Sadar South District Farmers’ Cooperative Unity Council, accusing Kamal’s syndicate of misappropriating the full amount without executing the work.

Within the Awami League, Kamal took control of Cumilla South District in 2006 and served both as convener and later president. His brother Golam Sarwar, chairman of Sadar South Upazila Parishad, reportedly ran the political affairs of the area, bypassing senior party leaders. Allegations include toll collection from hill-cutting syndicates, embezzlement of relief funds, and appointment trades in education and local governance.

Sarwar left for Canada in June and has yet to return. Locals claim union chairmen and members were selected only after paying significant sums—Tk30–40 lakh for chairmen and Tk5 lakh for members. Bribes of Tk5–10 lakh were reportedly charged for recruitment in educational institutions.

In 2017, Kamal appointed his elder brother Abdul Hamid as president of the newly formed Lalmayi Upazila Awami League and APS Ratan as general secretary. Hamid’s son, Kamrul Hasan Shahin, was later made upazila chairman through what locals claim was forceful influence. Ratan was given charge of Nangalkot and accused of widespread irregularities. His and Kamal’s personal secretary Mohammad Ferdous Alam allegedly controlled financial institutions under Kamal’s direction.

Another major project—the expansion of Cumilla University—was approved in October 2018 at a cost of Tk1,655.50 crore. Before approval, Kamal’s brother reportedly bought large areas of hilly and forested land at nominal prices, which were later acquired by the government at inflated rates. Tk471.11 crore was spent on acquiring 199 acres, with allegations that the syndicate pocketed nearly Tk200 crore.

AHM Mustafa Kamal’s public career—from finance and planning to sports and local politics—has drawn severe criticism for its alleged entanglement in corruption. While he once championed reforms, many now question whether his legacy is that of a financial reformer or an ‘all-rounder’ of misappropriation