Differing with the criticism that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) only goes after 'small fishes', its Chairman Iqbal Mahmood has said some big political figures, businesses and bureaucrats are also under its scanner.
"The commission is not just running after 'small fishes' but also probing a number of graft allegations against political figures, businessmen and bureaucrats," the ACC chairman said on Saturday.
Mr Mahmood made the remarks at a seminar titled 'Role of Lawyers and Judiciary in Checking Corruption' organised by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) at the National Press Club in the city.
Presided over by HRPB president Advocate Manzil Murshid, the programme was also addressed by former Supreme Court Justice Md Nizamul Huq, former Law Minister Abdul Matin Khasru and Barrister M Amir-ul Islam.
Responding to a criticism that the commission only goes after 'small fishes' leaving the big ones, Mr Mahmood said, "In my opinion, at least 10 to 15 ruling party men are now under trail or investigation at this moment."
In the mean time, graft allegations against 15 individuals of a political party and another 12 people of a different political party are under investigation.
The commission is also probing corruption allegations against 25 businessmen and 15 bureaucrats of secretary to joint secretary rank.
Welcoming constructive criticism, the ACC boss said, "Discussions and criticism should go on but the news have to be objective so that image of a state organisation isn't damaged deliberately."
Referring to a recent news report that distorted a part of his speech, ACC Chairman said, "I myself have seen multiple video footage of that particular speech; I didn't say it isn't a crime to commit corruption in simple faith, besides, the word corruption wasn't pronounced in that speech."
"Even then, why the matter was propagated that way? Everyone should have accountability," he said.
The chief of the anti-graft authority said, "I am not embarrassed to admit the commission's lack of capacity. Different types of errors are observed in most of the documents placed before me."
If ACC has full capacity, there would be no shortcomings in the probe reports and other documents, he said.
Mr Mahmood also said, "After joining the commission, I said that timeline will be followed in inquiring or investigating graft allegations. Despite our efforts, it is unfortunate but true that the timeline isn't followed properly."
General people, especially those living in rural areas, are the main victims of different graft acts, harassment and irregularities, and in 80 per cent of these incidents, 'small fishes' are mostly responsible, that is why the commission is bringing those under its scanner, he said.
Speaking at the programme, Barrister M Amir-ul-Islam said it is not possible to curb corruption in the country without social values and ACC alone can't remove corruption from the society, united effort is needed.
The veteran lawyer suggested integrating anti-graft study materials in the textbooks for school students because corruption cannot be checked only by making laws.
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