Dhaka, May 5: In a continuous attempt to suppress former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her aides, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry against her then-principal secretary, Tofazzel Hossain Miah, on the allegations of amassing huge “illicit” wealth through “corruption and abuse of power,” local media reported on Monday.
The ACC’s spokesperson, Akhtarul Islam, confirmed the matter, stating that no further details could be divulged.
“The decision to launch the inquiry was taken following the initial evidence of the allegations against Tofazzel in the ACC’s intelligence unit report,” said a senior official of the ACC, speaking to media outlet bdnews24, on condition of anonymity.
Hossain Miah was appointed as the principal secretary in 2022, and the contract was extended for another year in June last year.
However, after assuming power in August last year, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government issued a notification and revoked the appointment of Hossain Miah as the principal secretary.
The interim government has issued several arrest warrants against the former PM, her family members, and the Awami League supporters since last year.
Earlier this month, the ACC initiated a formal inquiry over allegations of misappropriation of funds worth Bangladeshi taka 40 billion from the state treasury, implicating Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury.
‘B’desh should work towards reforms before holding polls’
Michael Miller, the European Union’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Monday said that necessary reforms should be completed in the country before holding the national polls.
The EU Ambassador made these remarks during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, local media reported. “We hope that the political parties and the interim government will work together towards reforms,” the EU Ambassador said.
Miller further said that the EU wanted the election to be held in a free, fair, and credible manner in keeping with the international standard.
Responding to a question, Miller said that the EU is also interested in providing assistance for elections, once the Bangladesh government decides when to hold it. (IANS)
