Govt seeks list of graft convicts from ACC
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Amid controversy over convicts' participation in the upcoming elections, the government has sought from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) a list of individuals who have so far been convicted by trial courts in the graft cases filed by the Commission, reports UNB.
"The government Monday sought a list of convicted individuals from the Commission. I don't know whether it's for election purpose or for anything else. It appears that they (government) will do something with it," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal told the Commission's regular briefing.
Responding to a question, the ACC spokesperson said the list has been sought by the Home Ministry in coordination with the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on serious crime and corruption. He said the list is ready and it would be sent to the government.
Hanif later said verdicts have been pronounced in 90 graft cases involving more than 100 individuals. He hinted that the list is unlikely to be sent before the next week, as the ACC chairman would return to Dhaka from Barisal at the end of this week.
About participation in elections by those convicted in trial courts, Hanif said the issue of candidacy of the convicts would be settled by someone outside the ACC. "Either the government or the Election Commission or the court will decide that."
As per section 11(5) of the Emergency Power Rules 2007, he said, a person convicted by trial court cannot participate in elections if the state of emergency exists.
He also cited Article 66(2) of the Constitution that says a person imprisoned for two years or more would be ineligible to participate in elections for five years.
About the cases stayed by the High Court, the ACC director general said some cases have already been placed in the cause list for hearing, while measures are being taken to hold their hearings on priority basis.
Referring to three division benches stipulated by the Chief Justice to hear the ACC cases, he said the cases that have been stayed would be disposed of soon.
Asked about dealing with the cases at the Appellate Division since the ACC cannot be a party there, Hanif said legal efforts have already begun and it will continue.
Replying to a question, Hanif said no army officer working for the ACC has been deployed in any court.
To a questioner, he said measures would be taken against the lawyers who would not protect the Commission's interest.
The ACC spokesperson admitted that the anti-graft watchdog might not have done many things in accordance with the aspirations of the people, but it is trying to do so.
He said the ACC Monday sent the applications of 38 individuals to the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) for considering their clemency pleas, taking the total number to 128. Another nine applications are under process, he added.
Hanif said the Commission, as part of its campaign to root out institutional corruption, would start exchanging views with officials of different ministries and departments.
To begin with, he said, the ACC will have meetings with the Land Ministry's officials ranging from assistant secretary to the secretary on October 19. On part of the ACC, its chairman, two commissioners and other officials will take part in the meeting to be held in Land Ministry.
Hanif informed that the Commission has approved the filing of a case against former MP Dhirendra Nath Saha for having ill-gotten money and hiding information about it.
He also said the anti-graft watchdog has approved the submission of chargesheets in five graft cases filed by the ACC.
"The government Monday sought a list of convicted individuals from the Commission. I don't know whether it's for election purpose or for anything else. It appears that they (government) will do something with it," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal told the Commission's regular briefing.
Responding to a question, the ACC spokesperson said the list has been sought by the Home Ministry in coordination with the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on serious crime and corruption. He said the list is ready and it would be sent to the government.
Hanif later said verdicts have been pronounced in 90 graft cases involving more than 100 individuals. He hinted that the list is unlikely to be sent before the next week, as the ACC chairman would return to Dhaka from Barisal at the end of this week.
About participation in elections by those convicted in trial courts, Hanif said the issue of candidacy of the convicts would be settled by someone outside the ACC. "Either the government or the Election Commission or the court will decide that."
As per section 11(5) of the Emergency Power Rules 2007, he said, a person convicted by trial court cannot participate in elections if the state of emergency exists.
He also cited Article 66(2) of the Constitution that says a person imprisoned for two years or more would be ineligible to participate in elections for five years.
About the cases stayed by the High Court, the ACC director general said some cases have already been placed in the cause list for hearing, while measures are being taken to hold their hearings on priority basis.
Referring to three division benches stipulated by the Chief Justice to hear the ACC cases, he said the cases that have been stayed would be disposed of soon.
Asked about dealing with the cases at the Appellate Division since the ACC cannot be a party there, Hanif said legal efforts have already begun and it will continue.
Replying to a question, Hanif said no army officer working for the ACC has been deployed in any court.
To a questioner, he said measures would be taken against the lawyers who would not protect the Commission's interest.
The ACC spokesperson admitted that the anti-graft watchdog might not have done many things in accordance with the aspirations of the people, but it is trying to do so.
He said the ACC Monday sent the applications of 38 individuals to the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) for considering their clemency pleas, taking the total number to 128. Another nine applications are under process, he added.
Hanif said the Commission, as part of its campaign to root out institutional corruption, would start exchanging views with officials of different ministries and departments.
To begin with, he said, the ACC will have meetings with the Land Ministry's officials ranging from assistant secretary to the secretary on October 19. On part of the ACC, its chairman, two commissioners and other officials will take part in the meeting to be held in Land Ministry.
Hanif informed that the Commission has approved the filing of a case against former MP Dhirendra Nath Saha for having ill-gotten money and hiding information about it.
He also said the anti-graft watchdog has approved the submission of chargesheets in five graft cases filed by the ACC.