The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing to open over 300 secret lockers linked to Bangladesh Bank officials after obtaining court approval, the central bank confirmed on Wednesday.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the banking sector, as many former and current officials are now fearful of the potential consequences. These lockers, allegedly used to store large amounts of gold and foreign currency, were previously believed to be secure under legal protections.
According to sources, the ACC has secured court approval to open the lockers in the presence of magistrates. The commission has also sent formal requests to relevant departments within Bangladesh Bank, seeking their cooperation in the investigation.
ACC Director Kazi Sayemuzzaman, head of the investigation department, confirmed that the court permitted the operation at Bangladesh Bank�s Motijheel branch. "This is part of a fair and transparent investigation process," he stated.
A senior ACC official, speaking anonymously, revealed that several high-ranking Bangladesh Bank officials�particularly former deputy governors�had long been suspected of involvement in financial scandals.
During an earlier investigation into ex-deputy governor SK Sur Chowdhury, authorities discovered more than Tk5 crore in local and foreign currency, as well as gold, stashed in his locker. This finding led investigators to uncover over 300 additional secret lockers, many linked to officials implicated in high-profile corruption cases, including the infamous reserve theft.
ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain confirmed that searches will proceed in accordance with legal provisions. "The investigation into former deputy governor SK Sur Chowdhury revealed the presence of significant illicit wealth. This prompted us to extend our probe into other Bangladesh Bank officials who may have engaged in similar practices," he explained.
The ACC is now authorized to conduct raids at any bank in Bangladesh if further investigations necessitate it. Officials believe that the upcoming searches will yield shocking revelations about corruption within the country�s financial sector.
