Nagad Under ACC Scrutiny Over Recruitment Irregularities and Embezzlement Allegations

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid on the head office of mobile financial services provider Nagad in Banani on Sunday, following allegations of irregularities in recruitment and embezzlement of BDT 150 crore. Officials stated that initial evidence of malpractice in the hiring process had been found.

Speaking to reporters at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhter Hossain confirmed the raid, stating, “The operation is being conducted over allegations of recruitment irregularities. Details will be provided upon its conclusion.”

In a press release issued after the raid, the ACC revealed that initial evidence supported the allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process. It noted that further investigation could lead to questioning of Atik Morshed, personal officer to the Chief Adviser’s ICT Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and Morshed’s wife, Zakia Sultana Jui.

Regarding the separate allegation of misappropriating BDT 150 crore, the ACC has requested relevant documents from Nagad to verify the claims. “Upon receiving the records, they will be analyzed and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Commission,” the ACC stated.

Commission officials assured that all relevant data and evidence concerning both the recruitment irregularities and embezzlement allegations would be thoroughly scrutinized and appropriate legal actions would be taken.

On May 30, Atik Morshed, in a Facebook post, denied the allegations of embezzlement through fraudulent bills and vouchers. He also claimed that his wife had secured her position at Nagad through merit and qualifications.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, May 31, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on ICT affairs, acknowledged the conflict of interest in a Facebook post. “My personal officer has been accused of conflict of interest and nepotism. It was wrong—I accept that without argument,” he wrote. “I have strongly reprimanded him. I have also ordered an investigation into the recruitment of his wife and issued directives accordingly,” Taiyeb added.