The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of corruption against former national cricket team captain and ex-lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan.

ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen confirmed the development while speaking to reporters yesterday.

Shakib, the former world number one all-rounder and one of the most prominent figures in the country's cricketing history, was appointed the ACC's goodwill ambassador in 2018.

As part of his contract as the brand ambassador, he also made a documentary film without any remuneration. The documentary was made to mark the inauguration of the ACC's 106 complaint hotline at that time.

The ACC removed Shakib Al Hasan from his position as brand ambassador in 2022 after allegations of irregularities and corruption were raised against him.

Momen said, "The commission has launched a probe into allegations of corruption involving Shakib Al Hasan. If the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing, a case may be filed against him."

The allegations stem from a formal application submitted on August 28 last year by Supreme Court lawyer Milhanur Rahman Naomi. The complaint accuses Shakib of involvement in stock market manipulation, illegal gambling ventures, gold smuggling, fraud against crab traders, corruption in cricket, and concealing assets in his election affidavit.

At the time of the political upheaval that led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Shakib was playing in the Global Cricket League in Canada. He has not returned to Bangladesh since and is currently residing in the United States with his wife and children.

ACC ON TULIP

ACC Chairman Momen addressed recent media reports concerning a letter from the legal team of Tulip Siddiq, the former UK Anti-Corruption minister who recently resigned amid controversies over her links to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, and the origins of a number of properties in London used by her.

Momen clarified that while legal representation is a common right, charges of corruption are non-compoundable and must be dealt with through the courts.

"Letters exchanged between legal teams cannot replace proper legal proceedings," he said.

Tulip had earlier told Sky News that she was unaware of any formal charges and had not been contacted by the ACC.

According to Momen, the ACC has gathered extensive documentary evidence and has already prepared a full charge sheet after detailed scrutiny.

"The case has been submitted to court. If she fails to appear after a warrant is issued, she will be treated as a fugitive.

"This is not only about Tulip Siddiq. The same legal process will apply to all absconders, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Saima Wazed Putul, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and Azmina Siddiq."

HASAN, WIFE SUED

In a separate move, the ACC has filed separate cases against former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud and his wife, Nuran Fatema, for illegally amassing wealth.

Investigators revealed that Hasan was involved in suspicious transactions amounting to Tk 39.76 crore through nine bank accounts. His wife allegedly carried out transactions worth Tk 683.15 crore across 56 accounts.