Dhaka, March 17 -- The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an investigation into former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's advisor and Beximco Pharma Vice-Chairman Salman F Rahman over allegations of embezzling Tk 220 billion in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

The anti-graft watchdog's Director General Akhtar Hossain announced the development on Monday.

"The commission has decided to investigate allegations that an unscrupulous syndicate, including Salman F Rahman, Beximco Pharma Ltd, and others, misappropriated Tk 220 billion in state funds under the guise of COVID-19 vaccine procurement," he said.

Former health minister Zahid Maleque, health secretary Lokman Hossain, former BMRC chairman Modasser Ali, former principal secre...