Former Secretary of Khaleda Zia alleges corruption against eight advisors of the caretaker government, presents evidence

ABM Abdus Sattar, the personal secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and General Secretary of the Officers' Club, has alleged “limitless corruption” by eight advisors of the caretaker government, claiming to have proof. He stated that no important appointment or transfer can happen without communication with these advisors.

On Friday (August 8), Abdus Sattar made these allegations at a seminar organized by the Anti-Discrimination Employee Unity Forum at the Biyam Auditorium in the capital. The retired secretary revealed that intelligence agencies also have information about these advisors, but no action has been taken. He cited an example where a personal assistant to one advisor had 20 billion taka in their account, yet no measures were taken.

He questioned the logic behind entrusting several important ministries to individuals without experience. His remarks were met with applause from the officials present, who also alleged that corruption has not decreased but increased after the fall of the Awami League government.

Abdus Sattar further said that thousands of officers who were deprived during the Hasina government rushed to the party office after its fall hoping for justice. However, he discouraged them from visiting the political office and advised them to come to the Officers’ Club to resolve their issues.

Other speakers at the seminar criticized the past politically biased administration and called for keeping officials away from politics in the future. Members of the Shaheed family shared their experiences of the July uprising and demanded impartiality from the administration to establish justice.

The Secretary of Public Administration stated that existing laws in the country are sufficient, but the main problem is the lack of proper enforcement and courage. The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and the Principal Secretary to the Chief Advisor also emphasized the importance of keeping the administration free from politics.