TDS Desk:

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an inquiry into allegations that former President Abdul Hamid abused his authority to facilitate a Tk 24 crore beautification project around his private residence in the capital’s Nikunja-1.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain confirmed the development to the media on Sunday.

“ACC never considers a person’s status when conducting an inquiry or investigation,” he said.

Hamid would become only the second former President in Bangladesh’s history to face an ACC investigation over corruption charges—the first being Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who was convicted and jailed for graft.

According to ACC officials, the allegations involve the misuse of office to carry out high-cost development, decoration and landscaping work surrounding Hamid’s three-storey duplex on Lake Drive Road, Plot-6, Nikunja-1.

The facilities reportedly include a specially designed walkway, a decorative deck and suspension-style bridge, modern lamp posts, and renovations to the adjoining canal—amenities investigators believe were executed primarily for Hamid’s personal convenience.

While these beautification features were not part of any approved project, the canal renovation was carried out under a broader RAJUK development plan linked to the Purbachal New Town initiative. More than Tk 24 crore of public funds was ultimately spent, according to ACC sources.

Emphasising procedural neutrality, DG Akhtar Hossain said the ACC evaluates complaints based on evidence, not on the identity or position of the accused.

“We look at the objectivity and relevance of the allegations. If the complaint has merit, the Commission can open an inquiry against anyone.”

Hamid shifted to the Nikunja residence in April 2023 after completing over a decade as President. The area remained heavily secured during his stay, with restrictions on public movement. Following political changes on August 5, 2024, he reportedly vacated the property, which now stands abandoned.

Background of the property

According to RAJUK documents, Hamid applied for the plot in Nikunja-1 under the MP quota after being elected to Parliament in 1996. He was allocated a three-katha plot on October 5, 1997, which he registered for Tk 4.5 lakh. RAJUK approved the building design in 2011.

Sources say several influential figures from the former ruling Awami League—including ministers, MPs, bureaucrats and business associates—own upscale homes in the Nikunja neighbourhood. Many of them are currently reported to be absconding.

Notable names tied to properties in the area include former whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, Sheikh Hasina’s relative Mohammad Hossain Serniabat, ex-press secretary Naeemul Islam Khan, journalist and former adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former Chhatra League president Bahadur Bepari, and Sweden Awami League leader Kazi Shah Alam, among others.

Historical precedent

The only other instance of a former President facing similar action occurred on April 14, 1991, when Hussain Muhammad Ershad was charged with abuse of power under the Prevention of Corruption Act. His conviction in 2000 resulted in a seven-year sentence, later reduced to five years by the High Court, along with a Tk 55 crore fine. The judgment set an important legal precedent and disqualified him from contesting the 2001 national election.

As the ACC inquiry gets underway, the allegations against Abdul Hamid mark a rare case of a former head of state coming under scrutiny for suspected misuse of public funds. Further steps will depend on the findings of the investigation team.