, Dec. 7 -- Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an inquiry into allegations that former President Abdul Hamid abused his authority to facilitate a Tk 24 crore beautification project around his private residence in the capital's Nikunja-1.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain confirmed the development to the media on Sunday.

"ACC never considers a person's status when conducting an inquiry or investigation," he said.

Hamid would become only the second former President in Bangladesh's history to face an ACC investigation over corruption charges-the first being Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who was convicted and jailed for graft.

According to ACC officials, the allegations involve the misuse of office to carry out high-cost ...