ACC, judiciary were slaves to Hasina

Law Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul yesterday accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the judiciary of being subservient to the Awami League during its time in power, alleging that they failed to ensure justice and accountability in most cases.

"There was an ACC, there was a High Court, but there were no trials except for Khaleda Zia. Corruption has become entrenched in society due to this lack of accountability," he told a discussion at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the International Anti-Corruption Day, reports UNB.

The programme was organised by the ACC, with its Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin in the chair. Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh and head of the ACC Reform Commission, was a special guest.

Nazrul highlighted the prevalence of corruption during the last 15 years under the AL government, stating that institutions like the ACC and judiciary failed to act independently, especially in cases that we not politically motivated.

"In casual discussions, we would hear about Sheikh Hasina's cashiers, Rehana's cashiers, Salman's cashiers, how Joy's money was transferred, and who managed Palak's funds. The ACC and High Court were there but no trials ever took place [with regard to these].

"Whose trials did take place? Khaleda Zia's. She had Tk three crore in a bank account -- no one embezzled or touched a single penny. Yet, due to procedural errors, the ACC and judiciary sentenced the three-time former prime minister to 10 years in prison."

Nazrul further said, "That thief, [former] prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose entire family were 'thieves,' accused Khaleda Zia of embezzling funds meant for orphans! No one could speak a word in front of that thief. The ACC and judiciary had become her subservient tools."

The law adviser added, "Corruption became an accepted norm because there were no trials for it…. We witnessed a shameless prime minister laughing in front of the nation while saying her office assistant had Tk 400 crores.

"Awami League leaders would say, 'Apa [Hasina] can't really do anything because of her younger sister'. Such concern for her sister! She couldn't do anything because her sister is a thief!"

Stressing the urgent need for reform, he said, "We cannot leave the ACC dormant. The new commission must be empowered to tackle corruption effectively. Time is of the essence."

Addressing ACC officials, Nazrul said, "The [previous] ACC commissioners, before stepping down, had approved investigations against over a hundred ministers and businesspersons who acquired thousands of crores of taka through the theft enabled by the previous regime. Conduct those investigations now and prove that you can work effectively in a better environment. This is the expectation we and the entire nation have of you."

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, "The type of information we are receiving while carrying out our responsibilities in the ACC Reform Commission is extremely embarrassing. It's a thousand times worse than what we've heard before.

"Irregularities, misconduct, inequality, corruption, and a system of plundering.... I am embarrassed. This institution must be dismantled and overhauled with a decisive operation," he said.

"Right now, the ACC is practically non-existent. Three commissioners have resigned…. The ACC is an institution where no decisions can be made without commissioners. It has been over a month since any decisions were made at the commission."

Iftekharuzzaman criticised the opportunities provided in the past for legitimising black money. He also lambasted the ACC officials for playing the role of accomplices in corruption, asking why reforms should be necessary for such an institution.

"Could there be a greater humiliation for the ACC than this? The reason is that, on one hand, the ACC has facilitated corruption, and on the other, it has been deeply entrenched in corruption itself."