ACC to look into govt officials' 'link'
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will initiate inquiry into alleged involvement of food department officials in hoarding rice illegally in connivance with traders.
In recent months, price of rice went up as some traders hoarded rice illegally.
“We've received the allegation. Today [Tuesday], we've decided to inquire into the allegation,” said ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood.
He said this while addressing a discussion titled “Corruption Free Government Service: Nature of Corruption Allegation” at Rangamati Deputy Commissioner's office, according to a press release.
ACC will conduct the inquiry in light with the Essential Articles (Price Control and Anti-Hoarding) Act.
Those who will be found involved in hoarding food illegally will be brought under the law.
“Bribing some government officials, some businessmen are hoarding essential foods and increasing its price,” said Iqbal.
He said, “Through increasing price, they are looting public money. Anti-Corruption Commission will take exemplary legal action against them.”
As rice prices have gone up further in the last four days, the government said there are conspiracies afoot to destabilise the rice market.
Food Minister Qamrul Islam said a section of unscrupulous businessmen and rice millers started using tricks to hike rice prices. The government would take steps to stabilise the rice market, he said.
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