ACC launches probe

Staff Correspondent:

Serious allegations of abusing power, embezzling public development funds, and accumulating illegal wealth have triggered widespread political outrage in Sirajganj.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has officially launched an investigation against Abdul Momin Mondal, former Member of Parliament for Sirajganj-5 (Belkuchi–Chowhali) constituency and President of Belkuchi Upazila Awami League and his close associate Taj Uddin, President of Chowhali Upazila Awami League.

According to ACC sources, the two leaders are accused of misappropriating large sums of money from various government development projects over a long period by abusing their political influence.

Allegations include involvement in tender manipulation, commission-based corruption and laundering of money abroad.

Preliminary findings of the ACC suggest that, both leaders along with their family members possess substantial assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. This discovery has prompted the commission to intensify its investigation.

On Sunday morning (December 21), ACC officials revealed that, former MP Abdul Momin Mondal and Taj Uddin—widely known as Mandal’s Personal Assistant (PA)—allegedly acted in coordination to embezzle government funds through systematic abuse of authority. The misappropriated money was reportedly used for purchasing land, constructing buildings, establishing business ventures, legitimizing funds through bank accounts and possibly smuggling a portion overseas.

Multiple local sources claimed that, during the Awami League government’s tenure, the two leaders exercised de-facto control over the Belkuchi and Chowhali’s political arena. For years, there were allegations of lack of transparency in the implementation of government projects, favoritism toward close associates and forced collection of commissions.

It is noteworthy that, Abdul Momin Mondal was first elected as a Member of Parliament from Sirajganj-5 in 2018 as an Awami League candidate. He was re-elected in the 12th National Parliamentary Election in 2024. However, following the fall of the Awami League government amid a student-led mass uprising, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the National Parliament, resulting in Mondal losing his parliamentary seat. Since then, long-standing allegations against him have resurfaced with renewed intensity.

Speaking to journalists, Shahidul Islam, Deputy Director of the ACC’s Pabna Integrated District Office, stated that, “A preliminary investigation is underway based on the complaints received. If the allegations are proven, strict legal action will be taken against those concerned.”

The ACC’s move has sparked intense discussion and political tension across Sirajganj. Many observers believe this investigation is only the beginning with the potential for more shocking revelations to emerge in the coming days.