The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to investigate allegations of Sheikh Hasina obtaining a doctorate degree in exchange for money, including the wastage of state funds. In addition, her various foreign trips costing hundreds of crores of taka will also be investigated.
ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain told reporters at a briefing on Thursday (February 6) afternoon. He said that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina obtained doctorate degrees from various universities through irregularities.
According to the ACC investigation, some of the notable degrees he acquired through hiring lobbyists at the expense of government funds are from Tripura University in India, Catholic University of Brussels in Belgium, and Visva-Bharati University in India. It is known that these degrees and medals were acquired at the expense of huge amounts of money or in exchange for contracts that were against the national interest.
Responding to a question from journalists, Md. Akhter Hossain said that this information was found in the ACC's intelligence investigation, after which a decision was taken to conduct a formal investigation.
ACC documents show that Biman owes the government about Tk 500 million by 2023.
The ACC also alleges that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina collected 'fake doctorates' from various universities.
It says, "Some notable fake doctorates obtained by violating standards by spending government money on lobbyists are Tripura University in India, Catholic University of Brussels in Belgium, and Visva-Bharati University in India."
"It is known that almost all of the medals and degrees he has collected have been obtained at great expense or in exchange for contracts that are contrary to national interests."
The Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a popular uprising on August 5, 2024. She fled to India that day. The rest of her family is also outside the country.
