Nahid accuses ACC of turning propaganda into allegations against Asif

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of turning what he described as political propaganda against NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan into formal corruption allegations.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Nahid alleged that the ACC had accepted as complaints rumours circulated by what he called the “Awami League’s propaganda cell” against the former interim government adviser.

He said the move had raised serious questions about the ACC’s professionalism, competence and neutrality and demonstrated the need for fundamental reforms to the anti-graft body.

Nahid alleged that rumours and politically motivated propaganda circulated months ago were now being used to tarnish the reputation of leaders of the July uprising and undermine them politically.

He also compared the development with what he described as the use of the ACC during Sheikh Hasina’s rule to harass opposition leaders, including then-BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Nahid said political parties had reached a consensus through the July Charter on establishing an independent, impartial and effective ACC. He alleged, however, that the government had undermined that reform commitment by appointing a controversial individual as ACC chairman without following the process outlined in the charter.

He further alleged that the latest development suggested a return to the use of the ACC as a political tool against opposition forces.

The NCP leader said his party was prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by an independent and impartial commission and would face any legitimate allegations through due process.

However, he said the party would not accept the use of a politically influenced commission to harass or suppress opposition parties or political rivals.

Nahid called for an immediate end to what he described as politically motivated harassment and demanded that the ACC be reconstituted in line with the spirit and reform process outlined in the July Charter.

His remarks came after the ACC decided to incorporate fresh allegations of corruption, irregularities, embezzlement and money laundering against Asif Mahmud into an ongoing inquiry. The commission had earlier opened an inquiry into allegations concerning his tenure as adviser for Youth and Sports.