The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) once again has started probing claims of corruption levelled against several elite figures such as top police and army officials, businessmen, senior government officials and influential politicians including current and former members of parliament.
It was noticed that in the last decade and a half, corruption, bank robbery and money laundering have reached extreme proportions. Despite this, the Anti-Corruption Commission was virtually silent. A mysterious silence has been observed in the organization especially till the 12th National Parliamentary elections.
After the election, the commission started progressing little by little following the High Court as more than 3,300 cases filed by ACC in various courts across the country on charges of various types of corruption are now pending for disposal.
Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu visited Bangladesh on May 14. Immediately after this, the wind started blowing in the country. The United States has imposed sanctions against former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed for alleged involvement in corruption. The investigation of alleged corruption against former army chief would start very soon after completion necessary steps, sources said.
The commission is now investigating the allegations of irregularities and corruption, accumulation of huge amount of wealth illegally by former IGP Benazir Ahmed.
Awami League promised to fight corruption and ensure good governance in the manifesto of the last national election. The governments anti-corruption stance is to satisfy donors like the United States, IMF, and World Bank. The ACC wants to send a message to donor countries and organizations that the current government, no matter how it is in power, is not giving up on corruption, several sources said.
Many believe that the investigation against Benazir is part of ensuring good governance and accountability. Besides, they also think that investigation or legal action against Benazir Ahmed is a message to the corrupt.
Sources said that the commission prepared a list containing the names of at about 200 police officials, who were involved in corruption and acquisition of wealth illegally beyond known sources of income. The commission have already filed cases against some police officials after conducting investigation while the investigation is going against some of them and some were under process of starting investigation.
Sources also said that the commission will scrutinize the information provided in the election affidavits submitted by candidates for the 12th national parliamentary election. The commission will go into the action against those candidates whose wealth exhibits significant increases compared to previous declarations. Several ruling party lawmakers are also among those under the ACC scanner, sources added.
The ACC came up with these moves to catch high profile figures following the government stance against corrupt officials.
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader recently said the current government and its head Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shows zero tolerance against corruption.
"The government is not embarrassed over Aziz and Benazir issues at all and it has the courage to bring all the corrupt persons to justice. Everyone would have to face justice. No criminal will be spared. The head of government is showing zero tolerance against corruption," he said.
The AL general secretary said this at a press conference held at AL Presidents political office in citys Dhanmondi on May 29.
Quader said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is free on the issue of former IGP Benazir Ahmed and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the freedom. Investigation is going on about his (Benzir) illegal properties, he added.
