Dhaka – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced the launch of a formal investigation into allegations of a $5 billion fraud involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. The accusations center on financial misconduct tied to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, a $12.65 billion initiative financed predominantly by Russia.
High-Stakes Allegations
The investigation implicates Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August after being deposed in a revolution. Other figures under scrutiny include her niece, British MP Tulip Siddiq, and her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is reportedly based in the United States.
According to the ACC, the alleged embezzlement was carried out through offshore bank accounts in Malaysia, with claims of inflated procurement costs and questionable practices during the nuclear project’s construction.
“The claims of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and potential abuse of power raise significant concerns about the integrity of the project and the use of public funds,” the ACC said in a statement.
Political and Legal Backdrop
The accusations were brought to light by Bobby Hajjaj, leader of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) party and a political rival of Hasina. Hajjaj filed a writ in Bangladesh’s high court, calling for an investigation.
“We use our court to seek justice,” Hajjaj told AFP, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in large-scale government projects.
The Rooppur facility, South Asia’s first nuclear power plant, is financed by Moscow through a 90% loan agreement. However, allegations of corruption in the project’s procurement process have cast a shadow over its credibility.
Additional Allegations
The investigation also includes claims of theft from a government construction program aimed at aiding impoverished communities.
Hasina, now 77, has faced mounting legal challenges since her ouster, including accusations of mass murder. She reportedly fled the country by helicopter on August 5, following the revolution.
Reactions from Those Implicated
Efforts to reach Hasina for comment were unsuccessful. British MP Tulip Siddiq has denied any involvement in the alleged misappropriation. In a statement, the British Prime Minister’s Office reiterated Siddiq’s denial of the claims.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, believed to be stationed in the United States, was also unavailable for comment.
International and Domestic Implications
This high-profile investigation has significant political and financial implications for Bangladesh. As the ACC delves deeper into the allegations, the case underscores broader concerns about governance and transparency in large-scale infrastructure projects in the region.
