Disappointing but not surprising: Iftekharuzzaman on ACC chief, commissioners’ exit
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman today criticised the resignation of the Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman and two commissioners.
Reacting to the development, Dr Iftekharuzzaman told The Daily Star, “While it is disappointing, it is hardly surprising. It reflects a deep-rooted politico-governance culture in the country, where ruling authorities seek to ensure that critically important state oversight institutions are led by individuals of their choosing.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. He added that it is “unthinkable” within political and bureaucratic power structures for entities like the ACC to operate outside partisan and bureaucratic control, stressing that such practices are not new or isolated.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman further noted that power‑holders, hostage to short‑term gains, disregard the long‑term consequences of undermining institutions.
“No matter what was pledged under election manifesto about ensuring independence and effectiveness of such institutions, it now remains to be seen who are going to be the successors, in what process, and what eventually happens to the ruling authority’s rhetoric of corruption control,” he said.
The ACC chairman and two commissioners submitted their resignation letters earlier today amid indications that the government was unwilling to continue with the existing commission.
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