Khairul Alam, Dhaka : Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep frustration and anger after the government removed a crucial recommendation from the final approval of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ordinance.
TIB has questioned whether the government’s promise of “state reform” is merely empty rhetoric, as the new ordinance leaves the ACC without proper accountability.
In a press statement issued on Friday, TIB stated that a “Selection and Review Committee” was recommended to transform the ACC from a tool used by the ruling party to harass opponents into a truly independent body.
TIB called the removal of this recommendation disappointing. They claimed it proves that the goal of state reform is being held hostage by anti-reform conspiracies within the government itself.
TIB pointed out that despite the consensus of all political parties who signed the ‘July Charter’ and the consent of relevant government authorities, this recommendation was dropped. This signals the government’s lack of interest in fulfilling its promise of state reform.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman’s Statement
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The ACC Reform Commission recommended the formation of a ‘Selection and Review Committee’ based on the experience of the last two decades, public opinion, and international best practices. This was proposed to ensure the ACC does not remain a weapon for the ruling party.”
He further noted that reliable sources suggest at least seven advisers opposed this proposal, even though political parties agreed to it under the July Charter.
“Why is the government not thinking that by violating the July Charter, they are encouraging political parties to do the same?
Then why all this bloody sacrifice? What kind of state reform is this that blocks the way to effectively control corruption?” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman questioned.
While TIB appreciated that the draft ordinance was largely better than the existing law, they noted that dropping key strategic recommendations points to the influence of a “vested interest group” within the government that supports corruption.