National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today challenged anyone to prove that he had invested even Tk 1 abroad, saying he would quit politics if any such evidence emerged.
“Just prove that Asif Mahmud invested even one taka abroad or bought so much as a speck of dust outside the country,” the former interim government adviser said during a Facebook Live this evening. “If even one taka is found anywhere abroad, I will quit politics that very day.”
Asif said the latest allegations against him were part of a politically motivated attempt to damage his public image.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of corruption and irregularities in recruitment, transfers and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during Asif’s tenure.
The ACC formed a four-member inquiry team and later sought relevant records from the ministry.
Referring to the latest allegations, Asif said the figures being circulated included around Tk 4,500 crore in Dubai, Tk 3,000 crore in Singapore, Tk 2,000 crore in Australia and Tk 1,500 crore in Switzerland.
He said the figures matched those published in a February 11 post by a page called Ajker Kantha, which he described as an Awami League “propaganda page”.
“We do not know whether Ajker Kantha runs the ACC or the ACC runs Ajker Kantha. It is very confusing,” he said.
Asif also rejected an allegation that around Tk 1,200 crore had been added to the cost of a mini-stadium project.
He said the project had initially covered around 150 stadiums but was later expanded to nearly all upazilas. The cost increased because land had to be acquired and larger facilities, including pavilions and seating arrangements, were added, he said.
The revised project was approved by Ecnec during the interim government and remains under implementation, Asif said.
“If you think there was corruption in it, then stop the work,” he said.
Asif also alleged that the inquiry was driven by political retaliation, saying several senior political leaders had been unhappy with some of his actions while he was in government. He did not name the leaders or provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
He criticised sections of the media for presenting allegations as established facts before the ACC had completed its inquiry.
“This media trial has made me a victim,” he said.
“Maybe after a few months, or even a few years, the ACC inquiry will find me innocent. But by then, whatever damage is to be done will already have been done,” he added.
Asif also rejected allegations that two of his brothers-in-law and a nephew were involved in money laundering.
He said he had only one brother-in-law and that his nephew was around two-and-a-half to three years old.
