Time for ACC to act

The much-talked-about elections to the 10th Jatiya Sangsad are over. The newly-elected members of parliament (MPs) have taken oath and a new cabinet has also been formed. Needless to say, the incumbent cabinet comprises the elected members to the Jatiya Sangsad. It is the expectation of the people that they be ruled by an honest and clean administration, and the national parliament comprises honest and devoted lawmakers. Only knowledgeable legislators can hold meaningful debates for the welfare of the people and enact laws befitting the needs of the country. In fact, these are the prerequisites for good governance and reaching the goals of vision-2021.
What the people read in the newspapers during the pre-election days regarding accumulation of wealth mainly by the ruling party leaders and lawmakers on the basis of their affidavits submitted to the Election Commission was highly exasperating. Reports showed how the ruling party men multiplied their wealth during the last five years. The earnings of 48 important candidates increased by 582 per cent on an average while their wealth grew by an average of 363 per cent. The amount of wealth they amassed during five years in office as ministers or legislators is only possible through a magic lamp. This demands proper investigation for the sake of transparency and accountability. People simply can not afford to let the politicians be bloated with wealth by the charm of Aladdin's magic lamp. The lamp must be exposed for the sake of justice.
The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is mandated to do that.  But the people are disappointed by the role of the commission. The ACC overlooked the issue on the plea that it would 'unsettle the election process'.
This was a lame excuse. Each branch of the state or the government has specific functions and responsibilities. Holding election is the duty of the election commission while the task of the ACC is to combat corruption.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) also has a role to play. It can examine the income-tax returns submitted each year by the candidates in the just-concluded election and find out whether they paid required taxes for their wealth. NBR should also examine whether the growth of wealth each year commensurate with their genuine income.
 However, all hope is not lost. Comments made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her post-election press conference on January 06 has raised a ray of hope. She sounded a note of warning that stern actions would be taken against her party leaders and MPs who are alleged to have amassed wealth illegally. She told the journalists, "Certainly, Anti Corruption Commission will take action against those who have made money abnormally." The prime minister said those involved in corruption will have to face trial. Will the ACC now go into action? Moreover, since the election is over, there is no danger of 'unsettling' it.
Corruption and crime go unabated if the corrupt individuals and criminals go unpunished. Justice, transparency and accountability must be established to ensure good governance.
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