ACC chairman presents wealth details before media

Highlights:

• Has a 1,500 square feet apartment in Bosila
• Five-katha land in Purbachal, jointly owned with his wife
• Two fixed deposits totally Tk50 lakh
• Furniture worth lakhs, among other assets

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen formally submitted his wealth statement to the ACC Reform Commission and presented the details to the media. 

During a view exchange meeting with journalists at his office in Dhaka today (22 December), he said all the ACC commissioners will also submit their wealth statements. 

Detailing his wealth, he said, "I have an apartment of 1,500 square feet in Bosila. Process is underway to expand it by 700 square feet more. There is a five-katha land in Purbachal, jointly owned with my wife. 

"I was a member of the BCS Administration Association, and got an allocation for 1.25 katha land. I paid the money for it in 2007 but I am yet to occupy the land."

Mentioning that he had deposited Tk75,000 for a plot from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), Momen said, "The matter has not been settled till date. I'll apply again. These are my immovable property.

"My immovable assets include 25 shelves full of expensive foreign and local books. And furniture worth lakhs of taka."

The ACC chairman also has a fixed deposit of Tk30 lakh for a period of five years and a fixed deposit of Tk20 lakh for a period of three months. 

"I haven't taken my GPF [General Provident Fund] money yet. There is Tk17 lakh there," he said.

Momen also said the sources of his wealth include his job salaries and sale of inherited assets. "Besides, I teach, give speeches, and write. I earn money by writing books." 

"I had bought a 5.5-shotok land near Beribadh. I got some money by selling it. I have cash and bank deposits totaling Tk5 lakh right now," he added.

On responsibility of justice, he said there was a misconception that the sole responsibility for justice lies with the ACC. But, individuals within the judiciary must also take the responsibility, he said.

"Police file cases and reveal the truth, whereas the ACC investigates to uncover the truth before filing a case. As a result, the ACC has a relatively greater ability uncovering the truth," he added.

"This is why we can anticipate that the cases handled by the ACC will ultimately lead to justice in court. Justice means not only punishment but also acquittal."

ACC officials' wealth statements should be made public, says new commissioner 

Speaking on the occasion, ACC Commissioner (investigation) Mia Mohammad Ali Akbar Aziz said, "The commission is working with only half of its manpower. We are committed to the nation. We will investigate impartially."

ACC Commissioner (Enquiry) Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid said, "The ACC has a strong professional foundation. Even though the commission was non-functional for 42 days, the ACC officers and staff have worked tirelessly. We need to change the system."

New Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid also said earlier ACC officials should disclose their wealth statement as a statement of transparency.

"The people of the country should know what assets we have now and what assets we will have when we leave this commission."

Earlier this month, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) urged newly-appointed chairman and commissioners of the ACC to voluntarily disclose their income and asset statements to ensure accountability and transparency.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, who heads the reform commission, today told TBS that the ACC chairman has submitted his asset report, which is seen as a positive development. The commission had previously called for asset submissions and hopes this will become an annual practice.

He further highlighted that due to corruption allegations against various ACC officials, the reform commission had also demanded asset declarations from officials at all levels. This, he believes, is essential for maintaining transparency within the commission.