ACC launches probe into Asif Mahmud, four others over corruption allegations

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and four others over alleged irregularities and corruption in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Apart from Asif Mahmud, the accused include Ministry of Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain and Deputy Secretary (Youth-1) Md Masum Ahmed.

ACC Public Relations Officer Md Akhtarul Islam informed journalists of the development at a briefing on Wednesday. 

He said a four-member investigation team has been formed, comprising ACC Deputy Director Md Zahid Kalam, Assistant Director Md Nasrullah Hossain, and Deputy Assistant Directors Imran Akon and Roman Uddin.

According to the ACC, Asif Mahmud allegedly engaged in widespread corruption in transfers, appointments and promotions while serving as adviser to the ministry. The complaint states that the accused embezzled Tk 76 lakh by cancelling the duties and posting orders of 38 Upazila Youth Development Officers. 

Further allegations include corruption involving Tk 1.5 crore linked to the promotion of 150 Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officers and an additional Tk 2 crore related to their subsequent postings to preferred positions.

The complaint also alleges that a syndicate involving Youth Development Secretary Md Mahbub-ul Alam, Joint Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Deputy Secretary Md Masum Ahmed and several Youth Development Officers ran an extensive corruption network covering tenders and purchases.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, Professor Muhammad Yunus formed an interim government on August 8. 

Asif Mahmud, representing students who led the July uprising, joined as an adviser. He initially held the Labour and Youth and Sports portfolios before also taking charge of the Local Government Ministry in November 2024. 

He stepped down as adviser in December 2025 and later joined the National Citizens Party (NCP), where he has served as spokesperson.