Form task force to combat graft within ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission has proposed forming an independent internal disciplinary division to address corruption within the ACC. It has also called for the creation of a high-powered task force to identify and take swift action against corrupt ACC staff. 

The recommendations were outlined in the Commission's report, submitted last Wednesday by its head, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, to the chief adviser. 

The report urged the ACC to urgently establish a high-powered task force with government support, comprising members from various investigative and intelligence agencies.

This task force would identify corrupt officials and employees, ensuring their dismissal through departmental action and prosecution under criminal law. 

Additionally, the commission recommended dissolving the ACC's internal anti-corruption committee and replacing it with an independent internal disciplinary division. This division would include ACC personnel and staff appointed on deputation from defence, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. 

The proposed division would be tasked with ensuring compliance with the code of conduct for ACC officials and employees. It would also carry out covert inquiries into corruption, counter-intelligence measures, and investigations into violations of internal discipline. Furthermore, the division would review asset declarations under the Anti-Corruption Commission (Employees) Service Rules, 2008, and impose punitive measures as necessary. 

According to ACC data, 238 officials and staff members have been penalised over the past 16 years for offences including extortion, fraud, bribery, and corruption. Disciplinary actions ranged from dismissals and forced retirements to demotions and salary reductions. 

In the past year alone, nine officials were penalised, including terminations, while departmental investigations are ongoing against 13 officials. An additional 25 employees are under scrutiny by the ACC's internal anti-corruption committee. 

Between 2008 and 2013, 95 employees faced disciplinary action, with 18 dismissed. In 2008 alone, 32 employees were penalised, including four dismissals. However, allegations of corruption continue to surface, though not all have been substantiated. 

ACC Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain said addressing internal allegations is an ongoing process. 

"A three-member committee, led by the ACC chairman, verifies complaints and takes appropriate action. Depending on the severity, both departmental and criminal cases are initiated for serving employees, while criminal actions are pursued against retired staff," he said. 

Hossain declined to comment on the reform commission's report.