The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has reportedly ensnared six high-ranking officials, including a former influential ACC commissioner, in a massive Tk 9,000 crore government loss case. This development marks a significant step in the country's ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption at the highest levels of public administration.
Sources confirm that among the accused is Md. Zahurul Haque, a former commissioner of the ACC, who had previously wielded considerable influence within the commission. The others implicated are prominent figures from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), including former chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder, Engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, another former
vice chairman Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Ahsan Habib Khan, and another former chairman, Dr. Shahjahan Mahmud.
Additional officials named in the case include former ACC commissioners Md. Rezaul Qader and Md. Aminul Hasan, bringing the total number of high-profile figures involved to six. The case is tied to significant financial irregularities that resulted in government losses totaling approximately Tk 9,000 crore.
Investigators allege that the accused engaged in systematic mismanagement and corruption, leveraging their positions to authorize irregular contracts, approvals, and financial transactions that caused substantial harm to public funds. The ACC, which has been increasingly active in pursuing major corruption cases, is leading (See Page-11)
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the investigation. A senior ACC official told The Daily Industry, "The scale of this case is unprecedented. It involves multiple top-level officials whose decisions directly impacted the national exchequer. Our objective is to ensure accountability, irrespective of rank or influence."
The involvement of former BTRC chairmen and commissioners underscores longstanding concerns about governance and oversight in public institutions. The BTRC, responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector, has previously faced scrutiny over licensing, frequency allocation, and revenue management. Allegations suggest that lapses during the tenure of these officials contributed to the significant financial losses now under investigation.
Legal experts note that the case, if successfully prosecuted, could set a precedent in Bangladesh's fight against high-level corruption. "Holding former commissioners accountable sends a strong message that no one is above the law. The challenge will be in tracing complex financial transactions and establishing culpability beyond administrative lapses," said a Dhaka-based legal analyst.
The ACC has reportedly intensified scrutiny over related departments and agencies, reviewing financial records, contracts, and communications from the tenure of the implicated officials. Authorities are expected to file formal charges soon, with potential repercussions including asset seizure, legal prosecution, and institutional reforms.
This development comes amid growing public concern over transparency and accountability in government institutions. Experts say that strong enforcement measures against senior officials involved in corruption are critical for restoring public trust and ensuring fiscal discipline.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has significantly ramped up its investigation into the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), summoning two former chairmen and several high-ranking officials to answer for allegations of systemic corruption, recruitment racketeering, and the misappropriation of hundreds of crores in public funds.
According to official documents obtained recently, the national anti-graft watchdog is pursuing two distinct but massive lines of inquiry involving the top brass of the telecom regulator.
Recruitment 'Trade' Under Scrutiny: In a letter dated April 2, 2026, the ACC demanded a mountain of records related to former BTRC Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder. The investigation alleges that during his tenure, a "recruitment business" was established, where illegal wealth was amassed through widespread irregularities in hiring.
The ACC has requested certified copies of the BTRC's organizational structure, employee service rules from 2005 and 2009, and specific records of 30 individuals who allegedly received age waivers to secure jobs.
Furthermore, the commission is looking into the controversial appointment of 27 "Junior Consultants" who were reportedly absorbed into permanent positions as Assistant Directors and Administrative Officers against service regulations.
The 200-Crore Social Obligation Fund Mystery: A second, "Top Urgent" inquiry focuses on Engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, another former BTRC Chairman, along with former Deputy Director Md. Amzad Hossain Dipu and current Deputy Director Mahdi Ahmed.
This investigation centers on the Social Obligation Fund (SOF), which holds a staggering 1,600 crore BDT. Allegations suggest that: 200 crore BDT in interest/profit from the fund was illegally transferred to private accounts. A 10 crore BDT fee for the share transfer of Summit Communications Limited's NTTN license was waived in violation of existing rules.
Summons Issued: The ACC has formed a three-member team, led by Deputy Director Mohammad Tajul Islam Bhuiya, to interrogate the accused. The following officials have been ordered to appear at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha: Engr. Mohiuddin Ahmed (Ex-Chairman): April 22, 2026, Md. Nurunnabi (Ex-Director, E&I): April 23, 2026, Md. Amzad Hossain Nipu (Ex-Deputy Director): April 27, 2026, Mahdi Ahmed (Deputy Director, Engineering & Operations): April 28, 2026.
The watchdog has warned that failure to provide the requested documents-including bank statements for the Social Obligation Fund (Account No. 1617003000083)-by the April 20 deadline will result in strict legal consequences.
