The Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) has sought the prime minister's approval to file nine corruption cases in different sectors during the Awami League rule. Cases are being prepared by the Bureau against former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and seven or eight former Awami ministers for alleged corruption.

A well-placed BAC source said relevant documents have been sent to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for approval to file cases. "We have completed all other formalities," the source said. The new government initiated the process in the third week of October by forming four taskforces in the Bureau.

Placed under the PMO, the BAC cannot begin investigation or file cases against VIPs without the approval of the premier. The nine corruption cases involve Mig-29 purchases and sale or lease of abandoned property and the Public Service Commission, Post and Telecommunication Ministry, Textiles Ministry, Housing and Public Works Ministry.

A source of the Bureau, however, said none of the investigations into allegations in the nine cases was conducted meticulously.

He added that because of pressure to complete investigation in a short time, the task forces could not pay attention to all the aspects of the allegations. Meanwhile, sources said the defence department is not providing support to the Bureau in the investigation and filing the case on corruption charges in the Mig-29 purchases.

One source said the Bureau sent a letter to the Director General of Defence Purchase (DGDP) asking him to supply documents of the Mig 29 purchase. A copy of the letter was sent to the Air Force Headquarters. While the Bureau received documents from the Air Force, it is yet to get any paper from the DGDP.

The Bureau is likely to file a dozen more corruption cases against prominent Awami leaders. It has completed primary investigations against Sheikh Hasina and former Awami ministers who include Amir Hossain Amu, Shah AMS Kibria, Tofael Ahmed, Mohammad Nasim, Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir and Prof Rafiqul Islam.

The Bureau is also seeking the PM's approval to begin secondary level investigation against former LGRD minister Zillur Rahman, state minister for shipping Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, state minister for jute AK Faizul Haq and deputy minister for LGRD Saber Hossain Chowdhury.