The newly appointed commissioners of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will work without any pressure and strive to restore the institution’s credibility by meeting people’s expectations, ACC Chairman AKM Asaduzzaman said today.
“We have started our work today. Pray for us so that we can work for the country according to people’s expectations, restore the ACC’s image and make our best efforts to free the country from corruption,” he told reporters after taking charge at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.
Asked whether the ACC would be able to work independently, particularly in light of allegations that it could not function independently during the tenure of political governments, he reiterated, “In sha Allah, we are not under any pressure.”
On the challenges facing the new commission, he said they would be able to assess them once they began their work.
Reporters asked about the investigations and cases initiated during the previous Awami League government, allegations of irregularities that surfaced during the interim government’s tenure, and complaints filed against former president Mohammed Shahabuddin.
“We have not received any files yet. We have just assumed responsibility; let the files come. You will see for yourselves what we do,” the chairman said.
He declined to make comments on specific cases or allegations.
“If we say something and then fail to do it, you will hold us accountable. So, please give us the opportunity to work,” he said.
Reporters also asked whether the commission would expedite charge sheets in pending cases filed by the previous ACC team, take steps to bring back fugitives accused in corruption cases, and proceed with ongoing investigations, including those involving ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“We have not yet started; once we do, you will regularly know from us what is happening,” Asaduzzaman said.
On money laundering and recovering funds allegedly siphoned out of the country, the ACC chairman said the commission would discuss the issues before announcing its course of action.
Commissioner Dr Jahangir Alam Khan echoed the chairman’s position on money laundering.
Another commissioner, Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, said the commission would take decisions independently and thoroughly under the chairman’s leadership.
“You have seen that a highly experienced judge of Bangladesh has become the chairman of this commission. Under his leadership, we will make decisions on every issue thoroughly and impartially. You will see progress on these issues within a very short time,” he said.
The new commission began its work after a 168-day vacancy at the ACC’s top level. Retired Appellate Division judge AKM Asaduzzaman was appointed chairman, while Dr Jahangir Alam Khan and Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan were appointed commissioners.
The three officials submitted their joining letters to the Cabinet Division yesterday.
