Probe into Destiny, Hall-Mark loan scams to be completed soon: ACC chief

FE Report The newly appointed Chairman of the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) M Badiuzzaman said Thursday that the investigation into Destiny and Hall-Mark Group loan scam and other corruption would be completed soon. He also said though the ACC is an independent organisation some loopholes in its law are hindering its proper functioning. "There have been some problems with the law of ACC, but not with its administration and these would be resolved soon," Mr Badiuzzaman told the journalists after joining as Chairman of ACC at his office in the city. The government appointed M Badiuzzaman as Chairman of the anti-graft body Wednesday. Former chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed was also appointed a commissioner of ACC. The Cabinet Division issued two separate notifications in this regard Wednesday. Earlier on Monday, M Badiuzzaman was made acting ACC chairman as the tenure of Ghulam Rahman as the ACC chief expired on Sunday and the post fell vacant. M Badiuzzaman was born at Majopur village in Laxmipur on January 8, 1944. In his service life, he was deputy, joint and additional secretary to the government and held different other posts. He was retired in 2001. On March 14, 2011, Mr Badiuzzaman joined the ACC as commissioner. The new ACC boss said the investigation into the Padma Bridge corruption conspiracy is now depending largely on Canadian authorities. Without finishing the Canadian investigation, it would be impossible to conclude the case here, he said. "The ACC team which visited Canada last month failed to bring any substantial result. That's why, we have to wait until completion of their investigation," he added. Mr Badiuzzaman said ACC would not bow down to any kind of government pressure and will continue its activities like before. "The present government recommended withdrawal of more than 250 cases, but the ACC authorities rejected such kind of recommendation," he said adding that no case would be withdrawn without investigation in his tenure. He said none even the ACC officials would be spared if there is any corruption allegations against anyone. Meanwhile, the ACC secretary Md Foyzur Rahman Chowdhury alleged that a certain quarter is harassing the people using the name of ACC and demanding illegal facilities to many people. "The anti-graft body has certain rules and regulations. None has the right to take any facilities and harass anyone," he said at the monthly press briefing of the ACC at its head office. Mr Chowdhury said legal action will be taken against the people if there is any case of harassing innocent people in the name of ACC.