Hasina’s 2008 candidacy would have been scrapped if EC, ACC worked properly: ACC chief

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen stated on Sunday that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s candidacy for the 2008 general elections should have been cancelled due to major discrepancies in her asset declaration.

Speaking at the anniversary event of Reporters Against Corruption (RAC), Dr. Momen claimed that the assets Hasina disclosed in her 2008 election affidavit differed significantly from what she actually owned.

Dr. Momen argued that if the ACC and the Election Commission (EC) had functioned effectively at the time, her nomination would have been scrapped. He admitted it is historically difficult to verify asset statements thoroughly within the short timeframe allowed during elections.

The chairman urged journalists to act as investigators and share information regarding any doubts about candidates declared wealth. Dr. Momen emphasized that the ACC aims to prevent anyone with undisclosed assets from attaining power in the future.

The remarks come as the ACC intensifies its focus on transparency ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, 2026. Dr. Momen, who took office in late 2024, has been vocal about cleaning up the political system, noting that corruption remains a major challenge even as the country moves past recent political crises.