Irked by lingering investigations into some graft cases, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman warned on Sunday that officials concerned must take responsibility for their failure to complete the probes in time.
Inquiry and investigation by the ACC is document-based, Iqbal Mahmood said, adding that the commission has also special powers to investigate graft allegations according to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.
The ACC has also the authority to ask any individuals for corruption-related information, but if they do not respond accordingly, they can face cases and punishments as per existing rules, he continued.
"Despite having all such powers, why some officials have failed to collect relevant information and complete the investigations in time," the ACC chief questioned.
Mr Mahmood made the remarks while speaking at a training programme on 'Land Management' organised for the ACC officials at its headquarters at Segunbagicha in the city, said an ACC press release.
The ACC officials should keep it in mind that people will not show them respects unless they keep themselves free from corruption and demonstrate excellence in their behaviour, he said.
Everyone desires promotion but don't want to take responsibility, the ACC chief said, adding, "The commission officials have been given promotion extensively. So, it's time to work in a coordinated way."
There are many brilliant and honest officials in the ACC who carry out investigations competently within the stipulated time while some officials try to make up plenty of excuses for their failures, he said.
He also said, "Those who receive bribes or resort to other types of corruption are dishonest. Similarly, people who don't perform their duties properly or are unable to discharge their duties are corrupt too."
Stating that taking bribe is easy in the country because of systematic reasons, Mr Mahmood said people having no self-respect and not caring about their dignity take bribes.
Noting that there are no alternatives to trainings to upgrade skills, he said ACC officials would not be able to conduct effective investigations unless they acquire knowledge and do proper homework with sincerity.
ACC Director General (admin) Muhammad Munir Chowdhury also spoke at the training programme attended by around 30 officials of the commission.
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