ACC Chairman Declares Assets in 12 Days Upon Taking Office
For the first time in the history of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), its Chairman, Mohammad Abdul Momen, has publicly disclosed his personal asset details, fulfilling a commitment he made upon taking office. His declaration includes a flat in Dhaka, a shared plot with his wife, savings certificates worth Tk 5 million, and a collection of domestic and international books spanning 25 shelves. He presented this information within just 12 days of assuming office, responding to a call from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
On Sunday, December 22, in an interaction with the media, the ACC Chairman shared his income, expenses, and asset details. He also mentioned that he has formally submitted his asset statement to the ACC Reform Commission and noted that other commissioners would do the same.
Speaking to the media, the Chairman said, "Never in history has it happened that both a Prime Minister and the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram fled at the same time. Corruption is ingrained in every corner of the state. We must raise public awareness on this issue, and the media has a critical role to play in spreading this awareness."
ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi added, “The ACC is operating with only half its required manpower. We will conduct impartial investigations without any bias. We are committed to the nation.”
Another Commissioner (Inquiry), Brigadier General (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid, stated, "The professional foundation of the ACC is very strong. Even after a 42-day gap without a functioning commission, the ACC officials and staff worked tirelessly. The ACC will not be subservient to any individual."
Detailed Asset Disclosure
Chairman Abdul Momen revealed that he owns a 1,500-square-foot flat in Basila, Dhaka, and is in the process of acquiring another 700-square-foot flat. He also jointly owns a five-katha plot with his wife in Purbachal American City. As a member of the BCS Administration Association, he co-owns a 10-katha plot with eight other members, with his share being 1.25 kathas. However, the possession of this plot remains uncertain despite payments made in 2007. Additionally, he had deposited Tk 75,000 for a RAJUK plot, but the matter remains unresolved.
Among his movable assets, he owns a collection of 25 shelves filled with valuable books and household furniture worth approximately Tk 500,000. He has two savings certificates: one worth Tk 3 million for five years and another worth Tk 2 million. His General Provident Fund (GPF) account holds Tk 1.7 million, which he has yet to withdraw.
Sources of Income
Explaining the sources of his wealth, Chairman Momen stated that his income comes from employment and proceeds from inherited property sales. He mentioned, "A large portion of Shamrita Hospital in Panthapath was our family’s garden house. My siblings and I sold it and invested the proceeds in a fixed deposit."
He further disclosed earnings from teaching, public speaking, and writing. Additionally, he sold a 5.5-decimal plot outside Dhaka's embankment, which contributed to his finances. Currently, he has approximately Tk 450,000 in cash and bank accounts.
After being made OSD (Officer on Special Duty) in 2009, he lost his government job. He added, "Now that I have regained my position, I will receive my pension and other benefits, which will increase my financial standing. Currently, I receive a salary equivalent to a Supreme Court Appellate Division judge. My basic salary is Tk 105,000, along with a 50% housing allowance, special allowances, and other benefits. Beyond this, I see no other source of income."
