Don’t nominate corrupt individuals, ACC chief urges parties

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen has urged all political parties not to nominate corrupt individuals in the upcoming elections, report agencies.
He made the call while addressing the opening ceremony of a day-long workshop organised for members of Reporters Against Corruption (RAC) at the ACC headquarters in the capital's on TUesday.
"Every crime and act of corruption has a politicallink. It is impossible to develope the country as a whole while corruption persists at the highest level," Dr. Momen said.
He further said during the Awami League's rule, many influential businessmen attempted to bankrupt the country through corruption. "The ACC is fearlessly investigating those cases," he asserted.
Responding to a question, the ACC chief said, "Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members will be tried like any other offenders. If the court is lenient, the trial process will be expedited."
He also mentioned that red notices have been issued through Interpol and other legal measures have been taken to bring back Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and other fugitive corrupt individuals. "However, repatriating laundered money from abroad remains a highly difficult task," he added, noting that the ACC and relevant government agencies are working relentlessly on the issue.
Praising journalists for their role in ensuring good governance, Dr. Momen said, "Journalists play a vital role in establishing accountability in the state. Killing a journalist is equivalent to killing democracy."
During the workshop, ACC Director General (Special Investigation) Mir Md. Zainul Abedin Shibli and Director General (Training and ICT) Abdullah Al Zahid discussed the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2004.