Asif Mahmud denies ACC corruption allegations and threatens lawsuit

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of corruption and irregularities within the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the tenure of former adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyian. The investigation focuses on the recruitment, promotion, and transfer of officials, specifically involving the promotion of 150 individuals and the cancellation of current-charge appointments for 38 Upazila Youth Development Officers.

The ACC has requested relevant documents from the ministry regarding four individuals: former adviser Asif Mahmud, then-Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, and Deputy Secretary Md Masum Ahmed. The commission is seeking records to investigate claims involving approximately Tk 27.6 million in alleged irregularities.

Asif Mahmud, who now serves as a spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP), has rejected the allegations, describing the move as “entirely politically motivated.” He denied personal involvement in the incidents and has threatened legal action, demanding that the ACC apologize within 24 hours for damage to his reputation or face a defamation lawsuit.