ACC at crossroads: Credibility shaken, reform planned

Heavy corruption scandals have rocked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), with senior officers accused of amassing illegal wealth and trading immunity for bribes. A wave of suspensions has followed, spreading fear among staff but also sending a deterrent message that some believe could restore the watchdog's credibility.

Established in 2004 to fight graft, the ACC now faces allegations of harbouring the very practices it was meant to root out.
Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam, suspended on September 7, has become the emblem of the crisis after reports alleged he extorted hundreds of crores by threatening cases, took Tk 10 crore from the MD of Essential Drugs, embezzled funds from Ideal School, and built assets worth Tk 150 crore across Gulshan, Bashundhara, Joar Sahara, Demra and Jamalpur.

On September 21, System Analyst Md Rajib Hasan was suspended after investigators found "preliminary information" linking him to activities against the interests of the ACC and the state, including accumulation of "huge illegal wealth."

Earlier, Director Khan Md Mizanul Islam faced suspension after securing a hospital discharge using a guarantee from a graft suspect instead of payment. Deputy Director Md Ahsanul Kabir Palash was penalised for forgery in housing project approvals, while Deputy Director Kamlesh Mondal was suspended for failing to submit a report on Dhaka WASA corruption. Deputy Assistant Directors Abul Hashem and Mohammad Zulfiqar were also removed over bribery and financial misconduct.

The ACC admits disciplinary actions have been extensive, with 238 officials punished between 2008 and 2024 for extortion, bribery, fraud and abuse of office. Thirty-four were dismissed outright, while others were forced into retirement, demoted, or fined. Punishments spanned every level, from peons to directors.

Officials remain divided: some say the measures create fear and slow down investigations, while others see them as essential for accountability. "The commission is basically trying to send a message that employees will not get any relief if they commit irregularities. These steps will play a role in improving the reputation of the ACC," one insider said.

ACC Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen conceded the body's tarnished image but stressed reform. "The ACC also receives complaints and has a bad reputation. Action will be taken if the corruption of any officer is exposed," he said.

The interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has moved toward systemic change. A reform commission was formed in October last year to address the ACC's independence, legal framework and governance. The Law Ministry is drafting a bill, likely to be placed before the Advisory Council this month, to institutionalise reforms.

For now, the ACC stands at a crossroads: credibility shaken, but with a chance of restoration. The expulsions have created fear but also signalled that corruption within the watchdog will no longer be tolerated, raising hopes that the institution may yet reclaim its mandate to fight graft, not embody it.