Former president Abdul Hamid in ACC's crosshairs over 'misuse of state funds'

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations that former president Md Abdul Hamid misused state resources for personal benefit during his time in office.

Investigators say the allegations relate to a beautification and decoration project in Dhaka’s Nikunja-1 residential area, which reportedly caused the state a financial loss of about Tk 240 million.

According to the complaint, the project was implemented during Hamid’s two consecutive terms as president, and the work was carried out in a way that allegedly benefited him personally.

The complaint also accuses him of illegally acquiring wealth during his time in office, according to bdnews24.com.

The names of Hamid’s three sons, Rejwan Ahammad Taufiq, Rasel Ahmed Tuhin, and Riyad Ahmed Tushar -- have surfaced in the preliminary findings of the investigation.

The ACC has formed a three-strong team led by Deputy Director Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury to investigate the allegations.

Assistant Director Sajjad Hossain and Deputy Assistant Director Roman Uddin are also part of the team.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain confirmed that the commission had initiated a formal inquiry.

“A decision has been taken to investigate allegations of Tk 240 million in losses to the state and the acquisition of illegal wealth against Abdul Hamid, former president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and others, related to a decoration and beautification project in the Nikunja-1 residential area carried out through abuse of power for personal pleasure during his tenure,” he said.