Corrupt bigwigs start coming to TAC for clemency
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Corrupt bigwigs have begun approaching the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) for seeking clemency in exchange for their ill-gotten wealth and ambition for getting elected to any public office, reports UNB.
"Two cases came to us. But, we didn't accept them, as their cases are pending with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)," TAC Chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan told a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.
He said the individuals who approached the TAC were asked to apply with the ACC for referring the cases to the TAC. He, however, did not disclose the names. He cited confidentiality mentioned in the ordinance that created TAC halfway through the ongoing purge launched by the interim regime.
Asked about the professions of the individuals, he said, "There is a matter of confidentiality. I would tell had we accepted their cases."
Asked to comment on the remarks of the ACC chairman, who said it would not be acceptable if TAC compromised on big corruption, Justice Khan said, "I can't understand how big and small corruption will be determined."
The TAC chairman went on speaking on this sticking point: "Does big corruption mean involvement of high-profile individuals or big amounts of money? I think that cases are cases."
Justice Khan said the law clearly states that if anyone applies to the ACC for referring his or her case to the TAC, the ACC would send it. "They (ACC) should comply with the ordinance."
Responding to a question, he said to his understanding, upon application from the concerned, the ACC is obligated to send the cases to the TAC.
To another questioner, the TAC chairman said, "I hope there will be no conflict between two Commissions. If there is indeed any problem, I will try to solve it."
Asked how the corrupt would return their ill-gotten money to the public exchequer, he said the Commission is yet to get any direction from the government as to how the money would be deposited.
Replying to a question regarding disclosure of names, Justice Khan said names could not be disclosed and that the names of those granted clemency would be sent to relevant authorities, including the Election Commission.
He told reporters not to demand in this regard for the interest of the spirit of the law. Upon insistence, the chairman said that in due course they would consider whether anything could be done about disclosing the names in the interest of the nation and people.
He also hinted that they might ask the government to make amendment to the ordinance for allowing disclosure of names.
Justice Khan said at this moment they are against disclosing names because people would be discouraged to come to TAC, and the objective of the Commission would not be fulfilled.
Replying to a question, he said, "You can rest assured that there would not be any irregularity. Things will be done as they should be."
"Two cases came to us. But, we didn't accept them, as their cases are pending with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)," TAC Chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan told a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.
He said the individuals who approached the TAC were asked to apply with the ACC for referring the cases to the TAC. He, however, did not disclose the names. He cited confidentiality mentioned in the ordinance that created TAC halfway through the ongoing purge launched by the interim regime.
Asked about the professions of the individuals, he said, "There is a matter of confidentiality. I would tell had we accepted their cases."
Asked to comment on the remarks of the ACC chairman, who said it would not be acceptable if TAC compromised on big corruption, Justice Khan said, "I can't understand how big and small corruption will be determined."
The TAC chairman went on speaking on this sticking point: "Does big corruption mean involvement of high-profile individuals or big amounts of money? I think that cases are cases."
Justice Khan said the law clearly states that if anyone applies to the ACC for referring his or her case to the TAC, the ACC would send it. "They (ACC) should comply with the ordinance."
Responding to a question, he said to his understanding, upon application from the concerned, the ACC is obligated to send the cases to the TAC.
To another questioner, the TAC chairman said, "I hope there will be no conflict between two Commissions. If there is indeed any problem, I will try to solve it."
Asked how the corrupt would return their ill-gotten money to the public exchequer, he said the Commission is yet to get any direction from the government as to how the money would be deposited.
Replying to a question regarding disclosure of names, Justice Khan said names could not be disclosed and that the names of those granted clemency would be sent to relevant authorities, including the Election Commission.
He told reporters not to demand in this regard for the interest of the spirit of the law. Upon insistence, the chairman said that in due course they would consider whether anything could be done about disclosing the names in the interest of the nation and people.
He also hinted that they might ask the government to make amendment to the ordinance for allowing disclosure of names.
Justice Khan said at this moment they are against disclosing names because people would be discouraged to come to TAC, and the objective of the Commission would not be fulfilled.
Replying to a question, he said, "You can rest assured that there would not be any irregularity. Things will be done as they should be."