Photo : Messenger
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is probing allegations against former Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Md. Abdul Latif, of acquiring Tk 100 crore of undeclared assets through bribery, corruption and money laundering.
According to the ACC sources, Latif has several houses, flats, shops, and cars in Dhaka, and ACC has sent letters to various concerned offices asking for information regarding Latif’s assets.
According to ACC sources, letters requesting records of Latif’s assets were dispatched to the relevant authorities on January 3, with a stipulated deadline of January 15 for the submission of these records to the ACC.
Ram Prasad Mondal, deputy director and enquiring officer of ACC, was responsible for sending the letters to various offices.
When questioned about the status of the information acquisition process related to the matter, Ram Prasad Mondal refrained from commenting or providing details on whether they had received the requested information or not.
According to ACC sources, Abdul Latif has retired from service.
A senior official of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) revealed that additional step by issuing an asset declaration notice against Latif. This notice aims to compel Latif to declare his assets officially.
It was known that ACC has taken steps to enquire further by sending a letter to the managing director of Bashundhara Group, requesting specific details regarding potential property acquisitions by Abdul Latif or his family members.
This includes enquiries into the purchase or booking of land, houses, or commercial properties in Bashundhara residential areas, Bashundhara City, or through any association with Bashundhara Group. Additionally, the ACC sought a thorough examination of records related to the ownership of Shop No. 80 Block C in Bashundhara City, registered under the names of Latif’s wife Begum Dilara Akter, daughter Sadia Aurin and son Md. Sadman Sakib.
Furthermore, the ACC has directed enquiries to the president of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), soliciting detailed information regarding potential property transactions involving Latif or his family members. This includes probing any acquisitions of land, plots, flats, shops, or office spaces facilitated through REHAB. Specific scrutiny is requested concerning the ownership of Flat No. 3A in House No. 93 on Road No. 9A in Dhanmondi, in the name of Latif.
The ACC has expanded its enquiry by reaching out to the Managing Director of Jamuna Group, seeking comprehensive details about potential acquisitions or bookings related to shops, positions, markets, flats, land, houses, or commercial properties in Jamuna Future Park or from Jamuna Group.
Furthermore, the ACC has initiated enquiries concerning potential savings certificate purchases made in the names of the individuals involved. To acquire detailed information in this regard, the ACC has directed queries to the Director General of the National Savings Directorate.
Additionally, the ACC has also sought information from the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation regarding the ownership status of any land, plots, or shops allocated in the names associated with the enquiry. Specifically, they have requested details about any design approvals granted for these properties.
The ACC has extended its enquiries by requesting information from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms regarding any registration of capital companies, firms, or organizations linked to the individuals under enquiry.
Furthermore, the ACC has directed queries to the Director (Engineering) of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to obtain detailed information about vehicle registrations associated with the individuals in question.
According to ACC sources, it has been noted that the house located in Dhanmondi is in Latif's name. However, enquiries have revealed no ownership of a house registered under his or his family's name in the Banani area.
Abdul Latif, in a statement to The Daily Messenger, has vehemently denied the allegations levelled against him. He said, "I retired a decade ago, and the accusations against me are entirely false."
Latif expressed confidence in the ongoing enquiry by the ACC, affirming that he believes it will uncover the truth behind these allegations. He specifically highlighted his willingness to cooperate with the ACC's enquiry and urged them to verify whether he possesses wealth amounting to Tk 100 crore.
Regarding his personal details, Abdul Latif's National Identity Card lists his father's name as Nazir Uddin Ahmed and his mother's name as Latifa Khatun. Additionally, his registered place of residence is noted as Bogura Sadar.
Messenger/Disha
