ACC, judiciary acted as subordinates of Hasina: Asif Nazrul
ACC and the judiciary had become servants of Sheikh Hasina during the Awami League’s rule, says the law adviser
Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul today (9 December) criticised the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the judiciary for functioning like subordinates of Sheikh Hasina during her regime, saying they failed to ensure justice and accountability.
"The ACC [Anti-Corruption Commission] existed, the High Court was there, but justice was not served. There were no trials except for Khaleda Zia," he said.
"She [ Khaleda] had kept Tk3 crore in a bank, and not a single taka was embezzled or touched from there, yet she was sentenced to 10 years in prison due to procedural flaws."
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The law affairs adviser made the remarks while speaking at a discussion held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark International Anti-Corruption Day.
"ACC has been empowered through repeated reforms but in the last 15 years, no corruption cases were tried. This is because they could not say anything in front of her [Sheikh Hasina], they became her slaves," Asif Nazrul further said, reports BSS.
He also stated that institutions like the ACC and judiciary failed to act independently, and rather became Sheikh Hasina's subordinates.
Talking about the widespread corruption that had flourished under Sheikh Hasina's regime, he cited examples such as pillows worth Tk100 being sold for Tk4,000-5,000 and a known criminal becoming a billionaire through casino businesses.
He also referred to an instance where the prime minister joked during a press conference about a peon amassing Tk400 crore, yet no actions were taken against such irregularities.
Calling upon the ACC officials to work diligently, the law adviser said, "More than hundred ministers and businessmen amassed hundreds of crores each through corruption during the past regime.
"No one is pressuring you anymore, or interfering in your work. Investigate their corruption. Show the nation that you can deliver in a fair environment. That is what the country expects from you now."
Nazrul further emphasised the need for immediate reform and activation of the ACC to address past corruption effectively, reports UNB.
"We cannot leave the ACC dormant. The new commission must be empowered to tackle corruption effectively. Time is of the essence," he added.
The law adviser urged all stakeholders to stop solely blaming politicians and take individual responsibility for tackling corruption.
"We must stop blaming only politicians and take responsibility for our own actions. Learning from the youth and fostering a culture of accountability are essential," he added.
Speaking at the event, ACC Director General (prevention) Md Akhter Hossain underlined the importance of fostering public awareness to combat corruption. "An honest generation can lead to an anti-corruption society. We must awaken the public's consciousness to the dangers of corruption."
The programme was organised by the ACC, with its Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin in the chair. Executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and head of the ACC Reform Commission, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, attended the event as a special guest.
