With several officials allegedly amassing vast fortunes through power abuse and blackmail, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has become a breeding ground for corruption. 

One such official is Director Fazlul Zahed Pavel, who joined the ACC in 2019 under the leadership  of then-Chairman Iqbal Mahmood, reveals an investigation of the Mirror Asia.

Iqbal himself allegedly exonerated around 200 individuals and organisations in the final five months of his tenure that ended in March 2021, leaving behind a controversial legacy. Meanwhile, during his tenure as Mahmood's Personal Secretary (PS), Pavel cultivated a close relationship with the ex-ACC chief. Despite service rules stipulating that officials on deputation from the administration cadre cannot remain in the same post for more than three years, Pavel continues to serve beyond this period, suggesting his influence.

Last year, the High Court ordered the ACC to provide a list detailing the reasons behind the acquittals, along with the names and addresses of the accused, by February 9, 2023. In response, the commission, under Pavel’s leadership, initiated re-investigations into these individuals and organisations.

According to sources, Pavel amassed  some huge wealth during his time as Mahmood’s PS. He has purchased several properties all over Dhaka, and his wife, a college teacher, owns multiple flats in the city’s upscale Bashundhara residential area. Also, he has had large sums of cash with various banks and has invested several crores anonymously in the stock market. During Mahmood's reign, nothing went ahead without Pavel's directive.

Before his retirement, Mahmood entrusted Pavel with the power of looking after critical cases. Despite a change in leadership, with Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah taking over as the ACC chairman, Pavel has maintained his influence. Officially, he continued as a proxy PS until Deputy Secretary Md Al-Mamun was appointed. However, Pavel mysteriously continues to function as PS even after Mamun’s appointment, occupying a spacious room at ACC headquarters, though he rarely uses it.

According to ACC insiders, Pavel’s primary role now is to safeguard Mahmood’s interests. Despite Mamun’s promotion and subsequent transfer, Pavel remains to hold his clout.

Allegations against Pavel date back to 2014, when he was the chief executive of Khagrachari’s Dighinala. He, in connivance with local Awami League leaders, allegedly embezzled billions from a rehabilitation project, appointing a project head in exchange for bribes. The appointed head gave substandard and insufficient rice to ration card holders.  These crimes were never investigated, as he was shielded by Mahmood’s influence.

The TMA has tried to contact Pavel for his comment. But he cannot be reached. 

Sources indicate that Pavel is not alone in this. Directors Mohammad Yusuf, Uttam Kumar Mandal, and Abdul Awal have also been in the ACC for five to six years, each promoted to the position of joint-secretary. Despite their supervisory roles, numerous complaints of negligence have been lodged against them, yet no investigations or actions have been taken.
Former ACC Chairman Golam Rahman told The Mirror Asia, “If such bad practices persist within the ACC, it will erode public trust. The commission will become ineffective if it loses the people's confidence.”