Reform commission: ACC overhaul, amendments to law to be proposed

The reform commission for the Anti-Corruption Commission is focused on amending the ACC structure and related laws to enhance its capacity, efficiency, and independence.

The commission will recommend reducing the workload of the ACC's top-tier leadership, amending provisions of the ACC act that conflict with existing laws, and keeping the graft watchdog free from political and bureaucratic influence, according to sources within the reform commission.

The eight-member commission is working to submit its report within the January 7 deadline. Since its formation on October 3, it has held around 30 meetings with different stakeholders.

According to sources, the commission will recommend expanding the current three-member ACC to a five-member body by amendments to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act-2004. It will also propose changes to several provisions of the ACC act to make it consistent with other related laws and regulations.

The commission may also suggest amending or repealing laws and provisions, including Bangladesh Civil Service Recruitment Rules-1981, the Income Tax Act-2023, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act-2012.

Other recommendations may include proper implementation of the provisions of the ACC act, which stipulate the functioning of its prosecution team, repealing the controversial Section 54 of the ACC employees (service) rules, and limiting the absolute authority of the ACC secretary to transfer investigation officers, said multiple commission members.

ACC officials and employees have expressed concerns about Section 54 (2) of the service rules, which permits dismissal of employees with three months' pay without a prior notice. Employees argue that this provision undermines their ability to conduct independent and impartial investigations.

Additionally, the reform commission is considering a proposal to establish integrated ACC district offices in all 64 districts, up from the current 36.

It will also make specific recommendations on enhancing the skills of the ACC officials and employees to strengthen the organisation's capacity and efficiency.

Iftekharuzzaman, chairman of the reform commission, said they are on track to submit the report by the deadline.

"We have made significant progress in preparing the report, which will include recommendations for amending laws and regulations to enhance the ACC's effectiveness. The scope of the commission's activities may be expanded as part of these reforms," he told The Daily Star.

He said issues such as the commission's appointment process, the number of commissioners, and related matters are likely to be central to their recommendations.

"There should be a complete overhaul of the ACC, from top to bottom. The reform commission is struggling with the stranglehold of the bureaucracy; institutional capacity; internal governance, including ethical conduct and accountability of the commission ...," said Iftekharuzzaman, also the executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

He said the issues of coordination and information sharing between relevant institutions, especially on the high-level corruption and money laundering, remain a priority.

Above all, like any other country, the ACC cannot carry out its duties all by itself. That is why the reform commission is likely to address the question of transformative changes that are needed in the relevant state and non-state institutions in the national integrity system, he added.