Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed disappointment over the Advisory Council's final approval of the Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance, 2025, saying the move ignores key strategic recommendations aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and institutional independence of the ACC.

TIB said the removal of the proposed "Selection and Review Committee" -- despite earlier consent from relevant government authorities and unanimous support from all political parties in the July Charter -- undermines efforts to reform the ACC, which it described as long burdened by a negative image and used as a tool against political opponents.

The organisation said excluding the provision indicates that the state's desire to reform is being held "hostage by anti-reform circles within the government".

It also questioned whether the chief adviser, who leads the consensus commission behind 11 reform initiatives, was sending a message that reforms are merely symbolic if the ACC is kept beyond accountability.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the committee was proposed to restore public trust in the ACC, which he said has long functioned as a protector of the powerful and a tool to harass opponents.

He said it was "regrettable" that the government disregarded a strategic reform that could have made the ACC more accountable, independent, and impartial through half-yearly reviews, public hearings, and consultations.

He said at least seven advisers reportedly opposed the proposal, even though all political parties had agreed to it under the July charter.

 "Before violating the charter themselves, why does the government not consider that it is encouraging political parties to do the same? Why were such sacrifices made if reforms will not curb corruption effectively?" he said.