HC dismiss appeal to act against Asiatic Group over corruption allegations

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order directing an investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion involving the Asiatic Group, dismissing a petition seeking to overturn the directive.

The full bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, issued the order on Monday following hearings from both parties. Legal experts say the decision removes any obstacle to proceeding with investigations and potential legal actions against the organisation.

According to court sources, on July 29 last year, a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Syed Zahed Mansur instructed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) to investigate allegations against the Asiatic Group. The allegation stem from reported irregularities in projects linked to the Mujib Year celebrations, including the production of the film “Mujib.”

The Asiatic Group later challenged the High Court’s directive by filing an appeal with the Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division. On August 28, the Chamber Court granted a stay on the High Court’s order.

However, after a detailed hearing, the Appellate Division’s full bench has now vacated the stay, effectively reinstating the High Court’s earlier order and paving the way for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court lawyers’ body, Lawyers Against Corruption and Abuse (LACA), recently told a press conference that funds from various local and multinational companies—including Grameenphone, Unilever, Banglalink, bKash, BSRM, and Marico—were allegedly used in Asiatic Group’s advertising campaigns during elections held under the previous Awami League government.

LACA also announced its intention to become a party to the ongoing case before the High Court.