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Fouzul Kabir denies misuse of public office

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 17:55 GMT by The Daily Star
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Fouzul Kabir Denies Misuse of Public Office, Accuses ACC of Political Motives

Bangladeshi opposition leader and former Health Minister, Fouzul Kabir, issued a scathing rebuttal to accusations that he abused his public office to misappropriate state funds. In a statement released on Thursday, Kabir – a veteran of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and long‑time Member of Parliament for Narsingdi‑1 – dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and “politically motivated,” pledging full cooperation with the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) while threatening legal action if the investigation is not conducted transparently.

The ACC’s Complaint

The ACC, the country’s principal anti‑corruption agency, filed a First Information Report (FIR) on September 21 against Kabir, alleging that he engaged in irregular procurement of medical equipment while he was Minister of Health and Family Welfare (2001‑2004). According to the ACC’s complaint, the ministry approved contracts for oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies from foreign suppliers at prices significantly higher than market rates, and Kabir allegedly received kickbacks through a network of intermediaries.

The ACC’s official website, which outlines its mandate to investigate corruption across all levels of government, stated that the agency is “committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in public office.” The FIR also names a panel of senior officials from the Ministry of Health who allegedly colluded with Kabir to bypass standard procurement protocols.

Kabir’s Response

In his press statement, Kabir’s spokesperson, Rifat Haider, declared:

“Fouzul Kabir has never misused public office for personal gain. The allegations presented by the ACC are fabricated, and the opposition has no basis to accuse him of wrongdoing. The current ruling party is using the ACC as a political weapon to weaken the BNP.”

Kabir himself said:

“I have always acted in the best interest of the people of Bangladesh. All procurements during my tenure were done following the Ministry’s guidelines and under the supervision of the Parliament Standing Committee on Health. There was no personal gain or illegal transaction.”

He also warned that the ACC’s “political agenda” might lead to a “pre‑judged” outcome and called for a “fair hearing” to clear his name.

Historical Context

Kabir’s tenure as Health Minister coincided with the BNP government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The period was marked by efforts to modernize the health sector, including importing advanced medical equipment to upgrade national hospitals. Critics, however, have long alleged that procurement during that era was marred by irregularities and that high‑priced equipment was often paid for by the state budget without adequate oversight.

The ACC’s case is not Kabir’s first brush with corruption allegations. In 2011, the Commission had investigated a separate procurement scandal involving medical supplies from a Chinese manufacturer, where Kabir was again named as a suspect. He denied any involvement in that case as well, claiming that he had been targeted by the Awami League‑led government.

Political Fallout

The ACC’s action against Kabir has reignited a broader debate over the use of anti‑corruption agencies in Bangladesh. Opponents argue that the current ruling party, the Awami League, frequently leverages the ACC to target opposition figures, while supporters claim that corruption is rampant and must be combated with rigorous investigations.

The BNP has condemned the ACC’s move as a “political ploy.” The party’s spokesperson for parliamentary affairs, Shafikul Islam, stated that the ruling party’s “continuous attacks on opposition leaders are an attempt to consolidate power.” He also announced that the BNP would file a legal notice to the ACC demanding a public hearing and the release of all documents related to the case.

What’s Next?

Kabir has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ACC’s inquiry, stating that he would provide all necessary documents and testify before any investigative panel. He also hinted at a possible legal challenge, asserting that he would contest the FIR in court if it proceeds without due process.

The ACC, meanwhile, has assured that the investigation will be conducted “independently and impartially.” Its spokesperson added that “the Commission remains impartial and is not influenced by political considerations.”

As the case unfolds, both sides are preparing for a legal battle that could set a precedent for how corruption allegations are handled in Bangladesh. The outcome may not only determine Kabir’s political fate but could also influence the broader trajectory of anti‑corruption efforts in the country.

Related Links

1. ACC Official Page – Overview of the Anti‑Corruption Commission’s mandate and ongoing investigations.
2. Bangladesh Nationalist Party Statement – Official press release from the BNP criticizing the ACC’s investigation.
3. Bangladesh Ministry of Health Procurement Guidelines – Documentation of procurement processes during Kabir’s tenure.

These resources provide additional context on the mechanisms of public office oversight in Bangladesh and the political dynamics surrounding the current controversy.