The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said allegations of corruption against former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan were considered actionable during preliminary scrutiny, prompting the anti-graft body to launch an inquiry.

ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan made the remarks on Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. He said the decision to investigate was taken after the commission reviewed a report prepared by its verification and scrutiny committee.

However, the ACC secretary stressed that the inquiry is still at an early stage and no final conclusion can be drawn about the allegations. He also rejected any suggestion that the investigation was politically motivated, saying the commission operates independently under the law.

“The matter is now at the inquiry stage,” Rahman said, adding that the commission would examine the allegations and take action in accordance with the law.

The ACC is investigating allegations of irregularities and corruption involving appointments, promotions and transfers at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during Asif Mahmud’s tenure as adviser.

Three other officials are also under investigation: former ministry secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, former joint secretary Sheikh Mohammad Zubayed Hossain and former deputy secretary Md Masum Ahmed.

As part of the inquiry, the ACC has sought official records relating to appointments, promotions and transfers made during Asif Mahmud’s tenure.

Earlier on Wednesday, Asif Mahmud, now a spokesperson for the National Citizens Party (NCP), questioned the basis of the ACC inquiry at a press conference at the National Press Club.

He alleged that the investigation was politically motivated and amounted to harassment and a “media trial.”

Asif also questioned allegations concerning promotions and transfers that took place after he had left office, arguing that he could not have been involved in decisions made after his resignation.

Responding to questions about an earlier ACC spokesperson’s statement that there was “preliminary truth” to the allegations, the ACC secretary described the wording as a “slip of the tongue.”

He said the official position was that the allegations had been deemed actionable during scrutiny and were therefore referred for further inquiry.

The ACC said Asif’s statements would also be examined as part of the process.