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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and accumulation of illegal wealth by several high-profile individuals.
The key figures under inquiry include Mahfuzur Rahman Mita, former MP of Chattogram-3; Nasimul Alam Chowdhury (Nazrul), former MP of Cumilla-8; and former mayor of Jashore, Zahurul Islam Chakladar (Rentu Chakladar).
On Thursday, the ACC headquarters decided to proceed with the inquiry after initial intelligence reports provided evidence supporting the allegations against these individuals.
ACC spokesman Aktarul Islam confirmed it to The Financial Express.
Mahfuzur Rahman Mita:
ACC sources said Mahfuzur Rahman Mita, a former MP of Chattogram-3, served in parliament three times, in 2014, 2018, and 2024. During his tenure, he allegedly misused his authority to engage in corrupt activities, acquiring illegal assets both domestically and abroad. His annual income in 2014 was reported at Tk 4.7 million, which increased to Tk 9.4 million over the last decade—an increase of 101.2 per cent. His movable assets also grew by over 199.23 per cent, while his wife, Mahmuda Mahfuz, saw a 190 per cent increase in both movable and immovable assets.
According to ACC inquiry, they illegally acquired properties, including plots in Purbachal, a building in Motijheel, flats in Gulshan, a plot in Uttara’s Diabari, and land in Haramia, Sandwip. They have also been linked to large sums of money laundered abroad, particularly through Mahfuzur Rahman’s money exchange business.
Nasimul Alam Chowdhury (Nazrul):
ACC sources said Nasimul Alam Chowdhury, the former MP of Cumilla-7, has been accused of abusing his position to amass illegal wealth.
The inquiry reveals that he invested Tk 15.7 million in a company called BJ Geotextile Ltd. and owns two flats in Banani DOHS and Nikunja, along with approximately 17 shops in Barura Bazar, Cumilla. Additionally, he has ownership of two multi-storied houses and about 450 decimal land in various areas of Cumilla.
Given the evidence of unaccounted wealth, the ACC has decided to launch a formal investigation, the sources said.
Zahurul Islam Chakladar (Rentu Chakladar):
The ACC sources said Zahurul Islam Chakladar, also known as Rentu Chakladar, is the former mayor of Jashore.
Elected as mayor in 2016, he had no significant wealth before assuming office.
However, after becoming mayor, he acquired substantial assets. He was involved in large-scale irregularities during 2018 road construction projects and mismanagement of drainage and waste systems, through which he illegally seized 40 acres of land.
He has also constructed a large mansion on 100 bighas of land in Jashore’s Arabpur area, built a feed mill on 20 bighas in Rupdia Bazar, and a luxurious house in Kazipara. Allegations suggest he exploited his position as president of several educational institutions in Bagharpara, Jashore, profiting from illegal recruitment activities.
Based on intelligence findings, which indicate the accumulation of significant illegal assets, the ACC has decided to proceed with open investigations against these individuals, the sources added.