TIB calls for overhaul of ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was undermined by partisan politics and bureaucratic interference since its inception in 2004, said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), at a human chain event in the capital today.

"Corruption, misconduct, and inequity have further weakened the institution internally, turning it into an ineffectual body. To address this, we must overhaul the ACC through comprehensive and targeted initiatives," he said.

Iftekharuzzaman made these remarks at the human chain held at Manik Mia Avenue, organised by TIB to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9.

While speaking at the event, he said, "One of the primary reasons behind the ACC's degradation was the previous authoritarian regime, which sought to consolidate power through corruption, enjoy impunity, and render institutions, including the ACC, ineffective and politically compromised. Overcoming this legacy is imperative."

He added that the interim government is currently working on state reforms and a new political settlement, while the younger generation has taken on the role of a vigilant watchdog.

"The potential for a new Bangladesh has emerged, with its key driving force being the nation's youth," he said.

According to Iftekharuzzaman, a commission has already been formed to reform the ACC, which needs a complete restructuring — from appointments to operational processes. Other key institutions also require significant reforms to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

However, he stressed that true change will not come until there is a positive transformation in Bangladesh's political culture, bureaucratic ethos, and a widespread adoption of anti-corruption principles.

"This is a lesson rooted in the spirit of our student movements against inequality — a spirit that must inspire our political leaders and bureaucrats.

"We must align ourselves with the youth's demand to instill an anti-corruption ethos across politics, bureaucracy, and society at large. The younger generation has shown us that they will relentlessly dismantle anything they find unacceptable," he said.

Addressing the interim government, Iftekharuzzaman said, "We trust that the current government has no political ambitions of its own. Therefore, we urge this interim administration to implement reforms across state structures, including the ACC, in a way that future governments, elected through democratic means, operate within a framework that inherently promotes anti-corruption and ensures integrity. This is the crucial responsibility of the current interim government."

In his keynote speech, Zafor Sadiq, deputy programme manager of TIB, emphasised that the core objective of state reform and a national political settlement must be the eradication of corruption, abuse of power, and impunity.

He said, "The essence of a 'new Bangladesh,' envisioned through unprecedented sacrifices and loss of life, lies in continuing the fight against corruption, inequality, and oppression. Our goal is to build a corruption-free, egalitarian, well-governed, and humane nation."

Zafor Sadiq also presented a 14-point demand for reforms during the human chain, calling for structural changes to institutions and policies to support the vision of a corruption-free Bangladesh.