As the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigates the allocation of 12 Dhanmondi flats to senior government officials, former secretaries have shifted responsibility onto the National Housing Authority (NHA).

During a recent ACC inquiry, the ex-secretaries insisted they had followed proper procedures in applying for the flats, denying any wrongdoing on their part.

The controversy centres on the 2018 allocation of the flats, which critics claim were handed to top bureaucrats as rewards for their alleged roles in controversial electoral activities, including accusations of vote rigging during the national elections.

The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the housing authority and raised questions about systemic favoritism and corruption within government agencies, as the ACC continues its investigation.

The national anti-graft agency’s preliminary investigation confirmed the veracity of the claims, indicating that the flats were distributed "deliberately" as rewards under the government led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Following these findings, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works revoked the allocation of the luxurious flats on Jul 8, 2023, based on a recommendation from an NHA internal investigation committee.

Regarding the allegations of procedural violations in the flat allocation, the ACC summoned the recipients for questioning on Sept 17, 18, and 21.

Some officers appeared in person, while others submitted written statements. Several, however, failed to show up or submit statements.

The officers who did testify have claimed they applied for the flats in accordance with official procedures and that any institutional irregularities were the responsibility of the NHA.

When approached for comment, the ministry referred the inquiry to the NHA.

Alamgir Hossain, the head of the NHA's internal investigation committee, also directed inquiries to the NHA chairman.

Attempts to contact NHA Chairman Ferdousi Begum went unanswered.