When the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) is called a commission of impunity, its chairman or, for that matter, its staff is unlikely to take the criticism in good grace. ACC Chairman M Badiuzzaman in no uncertain terms expressed his displeasure at the disparagement. As chief of the anti-corruption body, he moreover made protestation that the ACC under him has done what it never could do previously. He refers to the filing of cases against sitting ministers and members of parliament and forcing a number of them to appear before the body for questioning. True, moves such as this would have earned quite a reputation for the ACC but for the quashing of cases against such high-profile persons for lack of necessary evidence. The anti-corruption body was formed with the responsibility of collecting information, data and other required evidence in order to prove financial crimes committed mostly at the top echelon of the administration. In matters of the judiciary, it is not enough to do justice. It has to be perceived that justice has been done. Similarly, public perception of the cases disposed of at the ACC matters. On that count, accountability and transparency of the entire process with which such cases are pursued prove to be the correct yardstick.
The ACC chairman's observation that political will is a key factor in bringing down corruption in high places to a tolerable level is, however, indisputable. Without political parties coming to a consensus corruption cannot be dealt with the way it should be. If high places can get rid of corruption, it is only a matter of time before the vice at the lower level is taken care of. In this connection Professor Emeritus Dr. Anisuzzaman, while speaking at the 10th Foundation Anniversary of the ACC, elaborated on the point. Corruption has its origin in poverty and avarice. Sure enough, poverty leads people astray but poor people have little power to commit large-scale corruption. Mostly, they are used as a tool for advancing the foul means to corrupt practices. It is those people who are privileged enough to find themselves in the corridor of power abuse the trust the public repose in them and commit outsize crimes. And they really set the tone of the administration.
In countries like Bangladesh with fledgling democracy, financial muscle proves to be the last word in matters of establishing a sway in public opinion largely prompted by manipulated means. A body like the ACC finds itself facing a daunting task because of this artificially engendered public opinion. Privileged and powerful quarters go about their job of taking undue advantages in the absence of any strong public resistance. The good thing, though, is that this is changing for the better -- albeit slowly. Now the media is vociferous about such corruption and the people too are making their sentiments known that they do like to see an end to the vice taking a heavy toll on society and the country's development. Prof. Anisuzzaman has expressed his hope that once the ACC will command respect and fear from all and sundry because of its role as an efficient organisation. That indeed is the expectation of the people. But once again, the emphasis ought to be on political will. Let people's will prevail on political parties in a system where the former are sovereign in all respects.
Is ACC a commission of impunity?
FE Team | Published: November 25, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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