Khulna, Jan 25, (V7N) - The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigating alleged corruption and irregularities by former Khulna City Corporation (KCC) mayor Talukder Abdul Khalek. The investigation, led by Abdul Wadud, deputy director of the ACC’s integrated district office in Khulna, began on Thursday (January 23).

According to ACC sources, the decision to investigate Khalek was made on December 24, and an investigation team was formed on January 21. On Thursday, the ACC sent official letters to several agencies, including the KCC and the Income Tax Department, seeking information about Khalek, his wife Habibun Nahar, and his associates.

Abdul Wadud stated, “We received directives from the ACC head office on Thursday and began the investigation immediately. Letters have been sent to the KCC requesting information about contractors known to be associated with Khalek. We are also investigating the alleged misuse of KCC vehicles for Rampal-Mongla and embezzlement of funds from Northwestern University.”

The ACC has requested copies of income tax returns and tax assessments of Khalek and his wife from the Khulna Tax Region. They also sought information from the KCC administrator on contracting work by Hossain Traders, Tajul Enterprise, and Azad Engineers, as well as records of tenders related to the development of Khalishpur Road No. 18 and vehicle usage logs during Khalek’s tenure.

Rakibul Islam, ACC Assistant Director and Investigation Officer, revealed that irregularities have been identified at Northwestern University and are being closely examined.

Talukder Abdul Khalek has been in hiding since August 5, with multiple cases, including murder, filed against him in Khulna and nearby districts. His statement could not be obtained as he remains at large.

END/SDA/RH/