ACC Chief Momen reveals wealth details to the media

On Sunday, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen disclosed his assets and liabilities to the media. 

During a media exchange program at the ACC headquarters in the city, he shared details of his income, expenditures, and assets with the press. 

Momen mentioned that he had formally submitted his asset details to the ACC Reform Commission, and that other commissioners would do the same. 

He took office on December 11, a day after his appointment, and had pledged to disclose his movable and immovable assets, as well as income and expenditure details, within seven days. On the day of his appointment, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) had called for the new ACC Chairman and Commissioners to publicly share their wealth and income statements to promote transparency.

Revealing his assets, the ACC Chairman stated that he owns a 1,500-square-foot apartment, which is made up of two 750-square-foot units in Basila, and he is in the process of acquiring another 700-square-foot unit there. 

“I have a vacant plot of land in Purbachal American City, measuring five kathas, which I own jointly with my wife. I was also a member of the BCS administration committee, and there is a 10-katha land for eight members. My share is 1.25 kathas, which I paid for in 2007, but I still haven’t received possession,” he explained.

He also mentioned that he had deposited Tk 75,000 for a plot with RAJUK, but the settlement has not yet been made. “For some reason, the government has not allocated it to me. I will reapply for it. Apart from this, I do not own any other immovable property,” he clarified. 

On the subject of movable assets, Momen shared that he possesses 25 self-contained books of varying sizes, many of which are expensive, along with furniture and electronic items valued at around five lakh taka.  

He further revealed that he earns interest from a five-year savings certificate worth Tk 3 million, as well as a Tk 2 million savings certificate that pays interest every three months. “I have not withdrawn my GPF money, which amounts to Tk 1.7 million,” he added. 

Regarding his income sources, he explained that he derives income from his professional work, the sale of inherited assets, and his activities such as teaching, lecturing, and writing. "I bought land outside the embankment over five and a half centuries ago, and I will earn some money from selling it,” he mentioned.

Momen emphasized the long duration of his career, stating, "I have been earning since my student days. When I retire, you will be able to assess how much my wealth has grown or diminished."

He also touched on the political changes in Bangladesh, describing the events since August 5 as unique in world history, citing the Prime Minister’s flight and the departure of the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram. He noted that corruption is prevalent in the state and stressed the need to raise public awareness on the issue, calling for active media engagement in this effort.

ACC Commissioner (Inquiry) Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi stated that the ACC is currently functioning with only half of its designated manpower but reassured the public that investigations would be unbiased and independent. “We are committed to the nation,” he affirmed.

ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid emphasized the strength of the ACC’s professional foundation, noting that even after 42 days without full commission, ACC officers and employees have continued to work tirelessly. “ACC will not enslave anyone in the world,” he concluded.