Hard to catch influentials
Not easy to get files to prove their corruption, says ACC chairman
The Anti-Corruption Commission cannot bring influential people to book for graft as they retain documents while holding posts, ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood said yesterday.
“When an influential person commits a corruption, he retains the documents. No matter how many reports are run, it's not so easy to have those files. The files are found later [when his tenure is over].” he said.
He was responding to questions from journalists why the commission could not probe corruption allegations against ministers, lawmakers and government high-ups and whether the government interfered in ACC investigations.
The graft watchdog organised a views-exchange meeting at its Segunbagicha headquarters, under the banner “Ongoing Activities in light of Anti-Corruption Commission's five-year Strategy Plan”.
About the corruption allegations against a judge, Iqbal said the ACC did not stop the investigation into the complaints.
The ACC chief pledged to ensure protection of journalists in case they were threatened over running corruption reports.
“For God's sake, I'll defend you at any cost if anyone tells you anything after publication of a report [on corruption]. You'll write to me about those who've threatened you. I'll ensure your protection because you're a witness.
“Please don't worry. We have the witness protection act…. For God's sake, I'll make sure the state ensures your security. Don't get scared,” he said.
Reiterating that the ACC would not tolerate hoarding of rice, its chairman said the government has a very good system in place, but some traders with the help of a section of food department officials created an artificial crisis of rice through hoarding.
BASIC BANK PROBE UNDERWAY
About the BASIC Bank scam, Iqbal said, “It is still under investigation. I might be biased if I make any comment on the issue at this moment. I can assure you that we're carrying out our duties in line with the court's order.”
He hinted that more cases would be filed over the scam.
The ACC has so far filed 56 cases, accusing 110 people and organisations, over irregularities in disbursement of loans worth about Tk 4,500 crore.
Of the accused, 27 were BASIC Bank officials and the rest borrowers and surveyors.
He said the ACC has introduced a point system to ensure punishment in all cases and reduce harassment of innocent people. According to the system, if an allegation scored 80 points at the enquiry level, the ACC would proceed with filing a case.
Media personalities suggested the ACC reduce harassment of people, take steps to remove loopholes in the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 and step up its activities against institutional corruption.
Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, chief executive officer of Ekushey Television, eminent journalist Rahat Khan and daily Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Noim Nizam spoke, among others.