The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has finally approved the filing of a chargesheet against Dr. Prashanta Kumar Roy, former project director of the ‘Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar’ project and former secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Department, who has been at the center of discussions over allegations of irregularities in state development projects. The Public Relations Department confirmed that the decision in this regard was finalized at the top level of the commission on Tuesday and Wednesday, two consecutive days.
The ACC investigation revealed that
Dr. Prashant had concealed assets worth Tk 1.2 crore 93 thousand 351 in his asset declaration and had deliberately provided false information in the declaration. In addition, the investigators found evidence against him of acquiring illegal movable and immovable assets worth about Tk 7.7 million outside his known income.
The investigation revealed more shocking information:
Dr. Prashant made suspicious transactions totaling Tk 18,53,719 in 12 bank accounts opened in his name and the name of his two daughters. These funds were withdrawn or transferred at different times—which is clear evidence of money laundering, the report of the officers in charge states.
The investigation into the case filed on June 5, 2023, was conducted by ACC Deputy Director Md. Rashedul Islam. After a lengthy investigation, the ACC decided that a chargesheet against Dr. Prashant will be filed in court under sections 26(2), 27(1) of the ACC Act 2004 and 4(2), 4(3) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2012.
Legal experts say that this decision is not just against an official – it is also an exemplary step in ensuring transparency in state project management.
The general public and civil society have also welcomed this initiative of the ACC. They are optimistic that if high-ranking officials are brought under accountability, transparency and trust in government management will increase, and there will also be visible changes in preventing corruption.
Public opinion has once again been stirred up over allegations of money laundering and abuse of power in state development projects, and the approval of the charge sheet against Dr. Prashant Roy has added a new chapter to that discussion.