Press Release
Dhaka, 31 October 2024: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the appointment of new, independent leadership at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), free from political and bureaucratic influences. Following the resignation of the ACC Chairman and Commissioners on October 29, 2024, TIB emphasized in a statement the urgent need to select capable, impartial individuals through established legal procedures. TIB underscored that restoring public trust in the ACC requires leaders committed to integrity and the public interest, wholly detached from personal or partisan agendas.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “ACC, which is a major institution in the continuing state reform program, has been unsuccessful for a long time. As a result, an ACC Reform Commission has been tasked with the responsibility of presenting suggestions that will enable the ACC to accomplish its tasks in a manner that is free, impartial, and effective. In this context, the government has undertaken the responsibility of promptly establishing a new commission in response to the recent resignation of ACC officials. Currently, investigations are underway against numerous former ministers, MPs, and government officials from the recently ousted authoritarian regime on charges of illegal wealth accumulation and money laundering. At this critical juncture, a leadership void at the ACC could cause substantial disruption and potential stagnation in ongoing operations, particularly investigations. New inquiries, investigations, or cases cannot be initiated in without the establishment of a new commission. Consequently, it is imperative to resolve this gap by forming a new commission; otherwise, state reform initiatives may be affected.”
He further said, “Since its establishment in 2004, the recruitment process within the ACC has been influenced by political and bureaucratic factors, often operating as an instrument to fulfill these agendas. Throughout authoritarian regimes, there were clear instances of the Commission’s submissive alignment with political authorities. The Commission, influenced by appointments rooted in political and bureaucratic motivations, did not meet its anticipated responsibilities and showed minimal engagement in fulfilling them. Consequently, commissioners who were appointed under political and bureaucratic influence have been persuaded by the priorities of incumbency, which has an effect on both their decision-making and their actions. There were multiple instances in which the ACC neglected to commence investigations, despite possessing extensive information and strong evidence of widespread corruption and money laundering. In some cases, the ACC even acquitted defendants after initiating investigations, which established a precedent that was detrimental. There have been instances in which the ACC has let itself to be utilized as a tool for the purpose of harassing political opponents or groups that are not in favor with those in power. Consequently, rather of functioning as a powerful anti-corruption organization, the ACC has frequently played the role of a facilitator and protector of corruption.”
Dr. Zaman said, “We believe that no individual directly or indirectly involved in party politics should be considered for appointment as ACC Chairman or Commissioner. We also call for the appointment of individuals who are highly competent in anti-corruption efforts, free from political influence in their personal lives, unaligned with bureaucratic interests, and demonstrate a strong stance against corruption. If these conditions aren't met, the public's high hopes, which were based on unprecedented of sacrifices, will be shattered again, and the function of the interim government will be called into question.”
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
