Staff Reporter:

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) may seek information from foreign countries to verify allegations that former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan laundered money abroad, ACC Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan said on Tuesday.

He said the allegations against Asif were based on information obtained during the ACC’s inquiry and were not fabricated.

Speaking to reporters at the ACC headquarters, the secretary said the inquiry was still under way and further action would be taken based on its findings.

“There is no scope for us to act according to our own wishes,” he said, adding that the commission would decide its next course of action after receiving the inquiry report.

Asked whether the ACC would send requests to countries where Asif was allegedly involved in money laundering, Saidur said it would send Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) if necessary under the law.

He said the commission would verify the allegations before proceeding further.

Meanwhile, the ACC has received key documents related to appointments, promotions and transfers at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during Asif’s tenure as adviser. The ministry sent the documents following an ACC request on September 3.

The ACC began an inquiry on September 2 into allegations of irregularities and corruption involving Asif and three others over appointments, transfers and procurement at the ministry. A special team led by ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam was formed to conduct the inquiry.

The ACC also decided on Sunday to conduct separate inquiries into new allegations against Asif involving bribery, appointment and posting deals in the two Dhaka city corporations and money laundering. The new allegations will be examined along with the earlier inquiry.

The allegations include laundering Tk 11,000 crore to five countries, including Dubai, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland and Portugal, as well as alleged irregularities in government appointments, tenders and development projects.

Asif has denied the allegations, questioning the varying figures cited against him and alleging that the ACC inquiry was politically motivated.