ACC to probe allegations against Shahed, Sabrina

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will enquire into allegations against JKG Healthcare Chairperson Dr Sabrina Arif Chowdhury and owner of Regent Hospital and Chairman of Regent Group Md Shahed over misappropriation of public money.

The commission has already formed a three-member committee led by its Deputy Director Abu Bakar Siddiqui in this regard, ACC's Public Relations Officer Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya told the media.

There are allegations against Shahed that he amassed several crore taka through microcredit and multi-level marketing business, forgery, dodging tax and bank loans with forged documents, said Pranab.

After scrutiny, ACC decided to launch an enquiry against Shahed, he added.

On July 7, Rab filed a case against Shahed and 16 other staff of Regent Group and Regent hospitals after a mobile court found proof that hospital authorities issued fake Covid-19 certificates and charged patients for tests and treatment, violating an agreement with the government.

Shahed went into hiding after the drive began on that day.

Two days later, Bangladesh Bank asked all banks to freeze his accounts alongside his business establishments' for 30 days.Financial Intelligence Unit of BB also sought information on Shahed's accounts and of persons or organisations linked to him.

On Sunday, National Board of Revenue (NBR) directed banks to freeze all accounts of Regent Group chairman and his farms.

Meanwhile, the ACC will also investigate allegation against Dr Sabrina for amassing Tk 8 crore through forgery. ACC's special investigation cell will lead the enquiry, confirmed Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya.

With the help of her husband Arif Chowdhury, Sabrina allegedly prepared 15,460 fake Covid-19 certificates.

She was recently suspended from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases for "violating rules".

There are also allegations against her of amassing wealth beyond disclosed income.