The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has launched an inquiry into allegations of illicit wealth accumulation against Tofazzel Hossain Miah, the former principal secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The investigation is based on preliminary evidence provided by the ACC’s intelligence unit, which suggests that Miah may have amassed substantial wealth through corruption and abuse of power during his tenure.
Miah, who was appointed as principal secretary in 2022, had his contract extended for another year in June 2023. However, following the assumption of power by the interim government under Muhammad Yunus in August 2024, his appointment was revoked. The interim government has been actively pursuing actions against Sheikh Hasina, her family, and the Awami League party members, issuing arrest warrants since last year.
In addition to the inquiry against Miah, the ACC has been investigating other allegations surrounding Hasina and her family. Recently, the Commission initiated an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of approximately 40 billion Bangladeshi Taka from the state treasury, implicating Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury. Legal actions have been taken to seize properties linked to the family members, including a flat in Gulshan and a residence in Dhanmondi, with an estimated market value of 8.52 crore Bangladeshi Taka.
The investigation comes amidst a broader political struggle. Sheikh Hasina’s residence in the Gulshan area was reportedly looted and vandalized, though no police case was filed. Hasina has accused the interim administration, led by Yunus, of orchestrating attacks on Awami League supporters, alleging that these actions are part of a calculated effort to tarnish her reputation and that of her family.
In a related development, Yunus and 13 others have been indicted for allegedly embezzling over $2 million from Grameen Telecom, a company founded by Yunus. The Anti-Corruption Commission has charged Yunus with misappropriating funds from the workers’ welfare fund at Grameen Telecom. Hasina has been vocal in her criticism of Yunus, accusing him of being an illegitimate powerholder with no constitutional mandate to govern Bangladesh. She claims that Yunus’s rise to power has been facilitated by foreign financial support, misleading the people and students of Bangladesh in the process.
These developments have deepened the political rift between Hasina’s Awami League and the interim government led by Yunus, with both sides accusing each other of orchestrating political attacks for personal gain. The ongoing legal actions and political tensions continue to shape the landscape of Bangladeshi politics as both sides prepare for the future.
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