Dr. Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor, alleged that Sheikh Rehana, sister of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, served as the “cashier” for her corruption. He further claimed that Salman F. Rahman, former private investment advisor to Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, a former minister, acted as cashiers for Sheikh Rehana.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, Dr. Nazrul made these remarks. The event was held at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka’s Kakrail area, with notable attendees including Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin.

Dr. Nazrul criticized the previous government, stating that even a peon under the former Prime Minister amassed wealth amounting to Tk 400 crore. He added that the ACC had become a puppet of the past regime, but now, it operates free of external pressure. Referring to the recent political upheaval, he noted that the sacrifices of the youth in the July uprising have paved the way for a new Bangladesh.

In response to a question from journalists, Dr. Nazrul advised against forming an interim commission for the ACC, warning that it could lead to complications. He urged the government to expedite the appointment of a new commission.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need to bring corrupt individuals to justice. He accused the former government of authoritarianism, highlighting how it repeatedly legalized illicit wealth by allowing “black money” to be whitened through budgetary provisions. He credited the youth uprising for challenging this authoritarianism and called for a major overhaul of the ACC, suggesting a comprehensive operation to reform its structure and personnel.

The event also featured remarks from ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin and Director General Md. Akhtar Hossain. Earlier in the day, the ACC’s observance of Anti-Corruption Day began with a flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem, and the release of balloons and festoons. A human chain was also formed in front of the ACC office to mark the occasion.