Summoning Journos ACC issues show-cause to director

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) yesterday issued a show-cause notice to its director Sheikh Md Fanafillah, for using “different formats” in summoning two journalists to testify as witnesses in connection with bribe allegations against one of its directors Khandaker Enamul Basir and deputy inspection general (DIG) of police Mizanur Rahman.

A three-member committee, tasked to inquire into the allegations, summoned Imran Hossain Sumon, senior reporter of TV channel ATN News, and Dipu Sarwar, special correspondent of online news site Bangla Tribune, to testify as witnesses.

The letter served to Dipu warned about legal action against him if he fails to appear, which sparked protests among the journalist community.

Yesterday, a section of journalists formed a human chain in front of ACC’s Segunbagicha headquarters, demanding withdrawal of the letter served to Dipu.

Talking to The Daily Star, ACC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya said there is no scope to withdraw the letter, as it was served following rules.

Asked whether any legal action will be taken against Dipu as he did not appear before the commission yesterday, he said, “No. If we deem it necessary, we may serve him a notice again. There is precedence of serving several letters to witnesses for testimony.”

“ACC expects that everyone including journalists will cooperate with the ACC, for quick completion of the inquiry,” he added.

DIG Mizan made headlines in January last year, when he was accused of forcibly marrying and torturing a woman. He was soon withdrawn from his post at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The anti-graft watchdog began an inquiry over his illegal wealth in May last year.

However, the investigation took a new turn after Mizan brought allegations against ACC director Basir that he had taken Tk 40 lakh, assuring the DIG of exonerating him from the charges.

ATN News was the first to broadcast a report where Mizan brought the allegation against Basir.

Bangla Tribune published another news over the bribery incident on Sunday, a day before the filing of the case against DIG Mizan for amassing wealth illegally.

Meanwhile, DIG Mizan was suspended by the home ministry on Tuesday, following approcal of the president.