The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated an investigation against former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. Masudur Rahman, a deputy director at the ACC, has been assigned to lead the inquiry.
According to ACC sources on Sunday (May 18), the investigative team will scrutinize all of Sheikh Hasina’s movable and immovable assets. She is expected to be served a notice to submit a full statement of her wealth. The team will also cross-check her asset records with her income tax documents to identify any discrepancies.
Previously, the ACC had opened several investigations against her involving allegations of money laundering, land allocation fraud, and embezzlement of government project funds. In the Purbachal land fraud case, the ACC filed a charge sheet, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant against her.
Additionally, another case is being prepared against her for alleged corruption related to an airport development project.
This development comes in the wake of a nationwide student-led quota reform movement that began on July 1. By July 15, the movement turned violent. On July 16, at least six people were killed during clashes. By August 7, the death toll had reportedly risen to 568.
Facing growing public pressure, Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana resigned and left the country on August 5. Following the collapse of her government, a 17-member interim administration was formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The cabinet was later expanded to include 21 members.
Since then, numerous legal cases have been filed across the country against Sheikh Hasina, her ministers, and ruling party lawmakers. Sheikh Hasina alone is currently facing over a hundred cases, including murder and corruption charges.
