Farewell dinner with Yunus brought danger: ACC chairman and two commissioners resign

BD Digest Report

Amid the ongoing “kitchen cabinet” controversy over the interim government’s decision-making process, major changes have taken place in the Anti-Corruption Commission. ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen has resigned.

At the same time, two members of the commission, Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Hafiz Ahsan Farid, resigned.

A resigned ACC commissioner confirmed the matter to the media. The chairman was seen heading towards the Cabinet Division at around 2:30 pm and coming out a short while later.

The resignation came at a time when discussions were heating up in the political arena over an iftar and dinner for former advisers with the recently departed chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus.

Former Advisor on Power and Energy Fawzul Kabir Khan, outgoing Governor of Bangladesh Bank Ansan H. Munsur and several members of the interim government were present at the event, which was held at a government residence on Minto Road.

After that farewell iftar, Governor Ansan H. Munsur was removed.

Earlier, former advisor M. Sakhawat Hossain had raised allegations of a “kitchen cabinet” within the advisory council. He claimed that a few members trusted by the head of government would make policy decisions in an informal setting, which were not open to all members.

The presence of an influential circle within the interim government also emerged in discussions with journalists. Among those whose names came up in the discussion were former Industries Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan Shuvro, Education Advisor C. R. Abrar, and Information Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Some political analysts believe that the simultaneous resignation of the ACC’s top leadership is not just an administrative reshuffle; recent political developments may also have an impact. In particular, the public reunion of people associated with the outgoing government and the controversy over the internal decision-making process have raised new questions.

However, neither the ACC nor anyone involved has officially stated the reason for the resignation. The government has not immediately given any explanation on the matter.

The advisory council departed after a year and a half of service, just as the new government took office. Within weeks, this change at the top of the ACC is being seen as significant in the administrative arena.