Stricter laws to bring corrupt people to book

Underscoring the need for stricter laws and punishment, Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Jahurul Haque yesterday said corrupt people get away with graft because they are well organised and regarded as influential individuals.

He requested the government to amend relevant laws, with the provision to confiscate all wealth of corrupt people as punishment.

"They could retain a little amount [of wealth] to bear daily expenses. Without this provision, it will be difficult to curb corruption," he said.

The commissioner said this at a discussion organised to mark International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) at the capital's Shilpakala Academy.

This year, the day was observed with the theme "Uniting the World against Corruption".

To quickly dispose of graft cases, the commissioner requested courts to not entertain appeals filed by such people for the second time.

"Financial activities in the country have risen and so has corruption. If effective measures are taken against corruption, people will benefit from the ongoing development," he said.

Financial activities in the country have risen and so has corruption. If effective measures are taken against corruption, people will benefit from the ongoing development.

— Jahurul Haque ACC Commissioner

Jahurul said swift steps need to be taken to prevent money from being laundered abroad. "Once the money is laundered abroad, it becomes difficult to get it back."

At the event, President Abdul Hamid's speech on the occasion was screened at the venue.

Asking people to boycott corrupt people, like those who take bribes, Hamid said, "We must despise bribery, corruption and nepotism. Corruption and development cannot go side by side."

"Once, no one accepted the existence of corrupt people in society, but that notion has gradually faded. Triumphs of riches are seen everywhere. No one bothers about the source of money – whether it is ill-gotten," he said.

"It seems like money has become the yardstick of social status. Everyone -- including politicians, service holders, businesspeople, farmers and labourers -- is running after money," said the president, adding that the degradation of social value and ethics has reached an alarming level.

Mentioning that it is practically impossible for the ACC and government to eliminate corruption by themselves, Hamid said, "Everyone needs to chip in to eradicate corruption."

He asked the ACC to take bold steps to eliminate corruption. The organisation must not discriminate when taking action. "Power is given to discharge duties, not to show off," he said.

Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique said corrupt people are against the nation, state, and development. They deserve to be despised.

"If we can establish the rule of law completely and ensure justice, corrupt people will think twice before committing graft," he said.

Among others, ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah and ACC Commissioner Mozammel Haque Khan also spoke.