Over 300 apply to lead ACC after months of leadership vacuum

More than 300 candidates have applied for the top positions of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as the country's anti-graft watchdog continues to operate without its leadership more than four months after its chairman and commissioners stepped down, delaying key institutional decisions.

Cabinet Division Joint Secretary Tanvir Ahmed confirmed that over 300 applications had been received for the vacant posts, but said the submissions were yet to be scrutinised.

He, however, could not specify how many candidates had applied for the chairman's post and how many had sought appointment as commissioners.

The recruitment process began after the government constituted a five-member search committee on June 22 to recommend candidates for the posts of ACC chairman and commissioners.

The committee, headed by Appellate Division Justice Md Rezaul Haque, comprises High Court Justice Razik-Al-Jalil, Comptroller and Auditor General S M Rezvi, Bangladesh Public Service Commission Chairman Mobasser Monem and Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani.

The ACC has remained effectively leaderless since March after its chairman, Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen, and commissioners Mia Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi and retired Brigadier General Hafiz Ahsan Farid, who had been appointed during the interim government, stepped down following the BNP-led elected government's assumption of office.

Although the search committee was formed nearly a month ago, it has yet to prepare a shortlist, prolonging the leadership vacuum at the commission.

Under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, the committee is required to recommend two candidates to the President for each vacant post of commissioner.

The committee invited applications from qualified and interested candidates on July 2, with the submission deadline ending on July 13.

Officials said the applications would now be scrutinised before the committee finalises its recommendations for appointment by the President.