Anti-graft drive may face hurdles
Coping with the hurdles under an elected government would be a lot easier for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) if the future leaders affirm opposition to graft.
ACC Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury made the observation during a routine press briefing at his office yesterday.
“The anti-graft drive will face manifold obstacles once an elected government takes over. And negotiating those will be our biggest challenge.
“However, I believe it would be way easier to tackle the situation if the future leaders just say, 'We are against corruption.”
The ACC boss also observed that the drive against corruption suspects has not been immune from pressure and influence in the last two years as well.
Asked to elaborate, he said pressure came in the form of suggestions regarding filing of certain cases. But the graft-busters did not bow.
Replying to a query, Hasan Mashhud said if the new government should clip the ACC's wings, it would have to do so at its own risk.
“I think it won't be easy to curtail the ACC's authority since people now are very aware.”
The anti-graft body, he continued, would strive to maintain a good working relationship with the government. It would continue to deal with the corruption cases with assistance from the law ministry.
Mashhud, also former army chief, noted that if the new government adheres to the democratic values and allow the judiciary real independence, the anti-graft drive will not have much difficulty making progress.
On a question about some persons getting party nominations despite their conviction for graft, he said the anti-corruption measures have been open to all. Hopefully, those concerned with picking contestants and scrutinising candidacy applications will consider the ACC's work in the last two years.
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