The ACC began its inquiry following a raid at a Forest Department office on 17 September, where investigators collected documents on bird imports and permits issued to importers.
TBS Report
13 October, 2026, 07:35 pm
Last modified: 13 October, 2026, 07:40 pm
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into forest department officials over allegations that hundreds of crores of taka were laundered through bird imports.
Aktarul Islam, deputy director of the ACC's Public Relations Division, disclosed the matter today (13 October).
On 17 September, an ACC enforcement team conducted a raid at the Forest Department's Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Office in Dhaka over the allegations.
During the raid, the team collected records of the number of birds previously imported by importers, bird inspection reports, no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued to importers and other relevant documents.
The ACC official, Aktarul, said allegations had emerged that some unscrupulous individuals had laundered hundreds of crores of taka through bird imports.
The ACC had earlier conducted an enforcement operation over the allegations, and the current inquiry was launched based on the findings, he added.
ACC continues probe into alleged bribery in Forest Department posting
In a separate case, the ACC is continuing an inquiry into alleged bribery in postings and transfers at the Forest Department.
An earlier ACC raid uncovered allegations that officials were paid to secure postings to various positions in the Forest Department.
According to the ACC, Tk50 lakh was taken for a two-year posting as a divisional forest officer in a first-class post, Tk30 lakh for a second-class post, and Tk20 lakh for a third-class post.
The ACC's findings also pointed to allegations that a syndicate led by then Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury was involved.
Aktarul Islam said the inquiry into the alleged bribery began around a year and a half ago and was still ongoing.