Invigoration of ACC

THE election manifesto of AL includes curbing of corruption. We may hope reasonably for restructuring of the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC). If the successes and failures of the ACC during the tenure of the caretaker government (CTG) are analysed one may conclude that it has been able to show that nobody is actually above the law. Common people could at least get some idea about the extent of corruption of the 4-party rule (2001-06).
The initial performance of ACC was commended by both the common people and the donors because it was extremely difficult for such an organisation to make headway in an almost thoroughly corrupt environment. In conducting the investigations proper personnel were not available. It was mainly conducted with reportedly corrupt personnel of the defunct Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB). The new recruits were not up to required level.
The CTG, though, showed enthusiasm in the early stages, but failed to maintain momentum due to overriding consideration for compromise with the business community, politicians and bureaucracy.
Thus, the fear of punitive action for committing crimes like graft, tax evasion and extortion gradually died down. With a large number of release orders through bails, the ACC had to backtrack.
However, the ACC chief has not yet lost all hope for invigorating the ACC. He is hopeful that AL-led government will certainly take adequate interest in eradicating corruption from the administration and the society because curbing of corruption is one of the priorities in AL's manifesto.
The ACC has been criticised for its failure to handle corruption in the bureaucracy and for keeping the armed forces out of its purview. It has been said that the ACC was utilised by the CTG for harassing the business community and politicians.
This allegation, if proved correct, takes away a large chunk of the credit it earned for filing cases against some businessmen, politicians and corrupt organisations. Thus, Sheikh Hasina has rightly recognised the need for bringing modifications in its design and objectives.
The bureaucracy in Bangladesh is the most powerful group. This is mainly because of its participation in the policy making process, which enables the bureaucrats to influence decisions at all stages of policy-making and implementation. Such an opportunity will remain as long as the people's representatives give less than adequate attention to their contribution in parliamentary affairs.
It is unfortunate that, within three months of the ninth Parliament's opening, we hear about lack of quorum in parliamentary sessions and strong demand from MPs for allowing them duty free import of luxury cars -- as was done by the MPs of the 4-party alliance. It is also learnt that the MPs are not interested in strengthening local government.
This makes one wonder whether the MPs are interested in the development of the country or interested in holding power. It is time they realise that their greater participation in national policy-making will result in curbing of the power of the bureaucracy, and the level of corruption among the politicians and business community will decrease.
Like many other developing countries, bringing pressure on high officials who control the administration is very difficult because our people are extremely poor and illiterate; they have neither the strength to control corruption nor knowledge about the impact of corruption.
To bring down corruption, concerted and effective arrangements are needed in support of the ACC. Top business leaders must impress upon their colleagues the urgent need for discouraging bribes. All ministries/attached departments and subordinate offices should have a cell for handling cases of corruptions. Similar cells may be opened in autonomous bodies.
These cells should be in touch with the ACC. The ministry of defence should be given special power to monitor military construction works and defence purchases
In the case of corruption among politicians, the EC, the Parliament secretariat and the ministry of home affairs should be given some special power to watch the activities of the politicians.
It is reported that the new government is considering modification of the design and structure of the ACC to suit the needs of a democratic government. However, searching for some excellent ideas to curb corruption will not do.
It is time that the PM directs the ACC to start disposal of pending cases and come up, if possible, with suitable recommendations for modernising the ACC. Such a directive will be appreciated well by all, both within and outside the country.
A.B.M.S. Zahur is a former Joint Secretary.