Anti-Corruption Commission or ACC has been formed as an independent institution to fight corruption in Bangladesh, but how effective it is in fighting corruption is being discussed now. ACC has seen a lot of activity after the issue of acquiring wealth through corruption of former police chief Benazir Ahmed came to the fore in the media.
However, the question has arisen, why is there no such activity of the ACC against those who are in powerful or important government positions?
In response, analysts say that when such people commit corruption, many of them commit corruption and criminal activities with the help of the government, so the ACC does not have much courage to take action against them.
International anti-corruption organization-TIB executive director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman told BBC Bangla, “At that time, an institution like the ACC could not help it even if it wanted to.” Because if you put your hand there, your hand would get burnt.”
However, the anti-corruption commission refuses to accept this statement of the analysts.
ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told BBC Bangla, “If no one complains to the ACC or there is no news in the media, it is not possible for us to know who is doing corruption from which position. That’s why we can’t even take initiative”.
Manpower has increased in Bangladesh in the last decade to fight corruption. Along with that, the existing law is also considered sufficient by the former officials of ACC. According to them, ACC cannot do anything against the will of the government even though it is an independent institution.
Because of this, even if someone commits corruption while in power or position, it is not possible to take action against him.
Former Director General of ACC Maidul Islam told BBC Bangla, “The government has not given any message that the corrupt people are not their people except for the identity of the person. That’s why the ACC has not taken any action.”
This action of the ACC against the former police chief was not taken suddenly on its own initiative. After a media report inquired about the matter. The High Court also gave instructions in this regard.
Although the former police chief made the claim in a video message after allegations of corruption against him and his family, false allegations against him have been reported in the media.
Cycle of abuse of power
After the Awami League government came to power in 2009, the political party has been in power for three consecutive terms. During this time, various complaints have been raised against many people while they are in different positions of the party or in different positions of the state.
At this time, allegations of corruption have also been raised against those who are in various positions of the ruling party or MPs.
Analysts believe that when those in power use power as a key tool. Then he got involved in various types of misdeeds.
TIB Executive Director Mr. Iftekharuzzaman told BBC Bangla, “Those who commit crimes from power or use power are all in collusion with the government.”
He thinks that the issue of irregularities and corruption centered on power is a cycle of abuse of power. They do not commit unilateral corruption. They also provide various additional benefits to the government.
Benazir Ahmed retired as police chief a couple of years ago. He was in retirement for these two years. But suddenly the media questioned his wealth.
Similarly, former army chief General Aziz Ahmed has also been accused of corruption. ACC is investigating the complaint.
Former Director General of the ACC, Maidul Islam, told BBC Bangla, “No matter how influential the government is, if the government says that no one is corrupt, it is not my people. If the ACC had been given the courage to take action against anyone, it might not have seen this picture of corruption.”
He said that such persons are in good relationship with the government and remain in post and post. In exchange they do various corruptions and misdeeds. The government knows this very well. But because of this relationship with the government, the media does not dare to write as easily. Similarly ACC does not dare to take action.
Mr. Ahmed’s lawyer Shah Manjul Haque was contacted by BBC Bengal about the allegations, but he refused to speak on the matter now.