Is ACC free from corruption

Expressing his concern about the presence of corruption in every section of society, educationist Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed yesterday questioned the integrity and freedom of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

"The ACC talks about prevention of corruption. Is the ACC free from corruption?" he asked, while speaking as chief guest at an award giving ceremony for the corruption prevention committees of the anti-graft watchdog at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital.

"For the last 25 years, the governments have wasted most of their energy to stay in power," the founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro said, adding, "Unbridled freedom is being given to corruption, injustice and crime."

He said, "If the state is unsteady, then it is difficult for any commission or independent institution to work."

Observing that no words of hope about the ACC are seen in newspapers and magazines, Prof Sayeed hoped that the commission would bring the real criminals to justice in at least 10 cases next year.

ACC Chairman Md Badiuzzaman said it was a shame that corruption pervaded all development works.

ACC commissioners Md Shahabuddin and Md Nasiruddin Ahmed were also present.

The ACC has 493 corruption prevention committees across the country at city, district and upazila levels. Of these, 28 committees from Chittagong, Khulna, Rangpur, Dhaka, Barisal, Sylhet and Rajshahi were awarded for their successful awareness campaigns, on the occasion of the "corruption prevention week" being observed by the ACC since March 26.