Increasing Efficiency: ACC seeks US support
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought cooperation from the US to increase efficiency of its investigation officers.
“Skilled officials of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) could train our officials,” said ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood yesterday at a meeting with a three-member delegation of the US Justice and State departments.
Resident Legal Advisor of US Department of Justice Eric Opanga accompanied by two representatives from US Department of State met the ACC chairman at the latter’s office in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha, said an ACC press release.
The delegates asked the ACC chairman whether accused are getting acquittal in 30 percent graft cases due to weak prosecution.
In reply, Mahmood said earlier the conviction rate was 22 percent. Now it has increased to 70 percent. The commission has so far filed over 200 money laundering cases, which are now pending at 16 trial courts, he said.
In reply to a question, Mahmood said the graft watchdog is not only arresting petty criminals, it is also catching big corruptors. “Many high-ups are being interrogated. No one will be spared. Criminals must face punishment,” he added.
Seeking cooperation of the US in setting up a state-of-the-art forensic lab, the ACC chairman said they want to arrest corruptors through an optimum use of technology.
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