Momen Accused of Corruption Becomes ACC Chairman

Ajoy Bangali

Dr Abdul Momen, an officer from the 1982 batch of the administration cadre, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He rose to prominence during his career while working as the Private Secretary to then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He was later appointed Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines as a reward for his services.

Momen retained his position even during the military-backed caretaker government in 2007-08, despite facing allegations of irregularities. In 2013, the Awami League government forced him into early retirement while he was serving as a Joint Secretary. After the Awami League government fell on 5 August this year, the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus promoted Momen two steps to Senior Secretary on 17 August.

He joined the Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs on 18 August. On 1 October, he received additional responsibilities in the Security Services Division.

A leaked intelligence document showed that an investigation committee formed under the Armed Forces Division looked into allegations against Momen. The committee submitted a 47-page report in December 2008, detailing irregularities in Biman Bangladesh Airlines under his leadership.

The report accused Momen of embezzling significant funds, mismanaging operations, and using Biman’s new flight routes for personal and group interests. It highlighted nine instances of corruption during his tenure as the Managing Director.

Sources said Momen’s irregularities at Biman were among the worst in its history. Allegations have also surfaced regarding his role in the 1,200 MW Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Power Plant project in Cox’s Bazar. The project has faced reports of corruption, including awarding contracts to Meghna Group in violation of regulations. Momen allegedly appointed preferred contractors and misappropriated hundreds of crores of rupees.

He allegedly sold copper wires purchased for the project in the open market, earning Tk 5 crore. Reports claim he sold Tk 4 crore worth of scrap materials from the project without approval or a tender process. He also allegedly misused a Tk 304 crore loan taken from the World Bank, leading to the formation of a task force to investigate the matter.

Momen joined the Bangladesh Civil Service in 1982 as an Assistant Commissioner in Bogura. He held positions including Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Director-General of Land Records, Chairman of BRTA, and Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka City Corporation. Allegations of corruption and irregularities have followed him throughout his career.