“I will not tolerate corruption and irregularity,” said the newly elected prime minister in her maiden cabinet meeting on January 15, as she began her fourth consecutive term as Bangladesh’s premier. She added that “transparency and accountability” must be ensured.
Corruption has become a major problem in Bangladesh as the country marching forward toward development and prosperity. According to a report published by CPD on January 17, 2024, it was found that 67.6 percent of business leaders identified corruption as the main hurdle for doing business.
Bangladesh Awami League in its election manifesto 2024 vowed to wipe out corruption at all levels. Following the landslide victory in the January 7 elections, now the government began to implement its promise.
The Anti-Corruption Commission’s war on corruption targeted top influential figures like former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and other government officials. On May 28, the Anti-Corruption Commission summoned Benazir Ahmed, his family members, and others for questioning over allegations of illegally acquired wealth after the securities regulator froze their Beneficiary Owners (BO) accounts.
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Previously, on May 26, a Dhaka court ordered the attachment of properties held by Benazir Ahmed, his wife, and their children from 113 deeds, as well as four apartments in Gulshan, Dhaka. The court also ordered the freezing of their shares in various private firms. On Thursday, the same court ordered the attachment of 114 acres or 345 bighas of land and the freezing of 33 bank accounts.
Benazir Ahmed served as IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. He was also the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Investigations by the ACC revealed that Benazir Ahmed, his wife Zeeshan Mirza, children, and several relatives collectively own about 114 acres or 345 bighas of land, with Zeeshan Mirza holding the largest share.
The government extended full support for the probe against former top government official Benazir Ahmed. On May 28, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader stated that the current government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina show ‘zero tolerance’ against corruption. Quader said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is free to investigate former IGP Benazir Ahmed as the constitution makes ACC independent. He added that an investigation is ongoing about Benazir’s illegal properties.
Quader asserted, “The government is not embarrassed over the former army chief General Aziz Ahmed and Benazir issues and it dares to bring all corrupt persons to justice. Everyone will have to face justice. No criminal will be spared. The head of government is showing ‘zero tolerance’ against corruption.” He stated the ACC could investigate former army chief Aziz Ahmed if he was involved in corruption, as every wrongdoer will be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, on May 30, the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court issued a ban on foreign travel for Uttam Kumar Biswas, an additional superintendent of Rapid Action Battalion-2, to facilitate a proper inquiry into graft allegations against him. The judge allowed the ACC’s plea. The ACC is probing Uttam and his family for allegedly amassing huge wealth through irregularities and corruption and has issued notice for wealth statements.
The ACC is also deliberating on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Reagan demanding an inquiry into alleged corruption by Bangladesh’s former army chief General Aziz Ahmed. A decision on whether to proceed with an investigation is expected in the next few days. ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah told the media that the complaint has been forwarded to the scrutiny committee.
Obaidul Quader earlier stated the ACC could investigate former army chief Aziz Ahmed if he was involved in corruption, as every wrongdoer will face justice. Gen Aziz served as army chief from June 2018 to June 2021 and headed Border Guard Bangladesh for four years from 2012. The US imposed sanctions on him on May 22 for alleged involvement in corruption, which he dismissed as ‘untrue’ while vowing to accept consequences if proven.
Meanwhile, a four-member committee from the ACC is investigating allegations of irregularities amounting to Tk 1,076 crore in contracts related to Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ online platform services.
The ACC formed the committee following the audit report by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) that suggests that Biman is facing significant financial losses due to fraudulent contracts for ticketing and other services. In 2021, Biman signed a 10-year contract with Sabre GLBL Inc. for services including the Global Distribution System (GDS) and Passenger Service System (PSS), which was projected to cost Tk282 crore but ended up being Tk1,358 crore.
The recent investigations and actions by the ACC underscore its commitment and tough actions against corruption at all levels.
In September 2019, the government launched a drive against corruption, beginning with raids on casinos and gambling sites on September 18. Many people were arrested at various clubs and institutions. While the drive initially targeted lower-level figures, the government vowed it would go after the bigger players involved in corruption. And the war on corruption waging now.
A Brief of ACC’s Functions
The Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2004 establishes an independent Anti-Corruption Commission with the mandate to investigate and inquire into allegations of corruption as well as other specific offenses and to take such other actions as may be necessary to prevent corruption and other corrupt practices within the country. An Act was issued on 23 February 2004 that established the Anti-Corruption Commission, and it went into effect on 9 May 2004. Despite initially failing to have the desired effect, the ACC began its work with renewed vigor and impetus immediately following its reconstitution in February 2007, when it acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which had been adopted by the General Assembly on 31 October 2003. The Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2004 provides the legal foundation and mandate for the organization. Article 32 of the ACC Act, 2004 stated that the Commission shall function independently and without bias. The Commission shall have perpetual succession, a common seal, and the authority to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and may sue and be sued in its name following the provisions of this Act and the rules promulgated thereunder (Article 3/3).
Based on the Article 17, the Commission may perform all or any of the following functions, namely:
- to inquire into and investigate the crimes listed in the Schedule
- to bring charges under this Act based on the results of the inquiry and investigation
- to investigate allegations of corruption either on its own initiative or in response to an application filed by a victim or his representative
- reviewing existing anti-corruption measures and making suggestions for improving their efficacy to the President
- to create a culture of trust by devising a strategy to examine how to reduce graft and subsequently advising the President on how to proceed with the information gleaned from those studies, and honesty to curb corruption and raise public awareness, we must take preventative measures and educate the public
- to analyze the social and economic conditions in Bangladesh in order to pinpoint the root causes of corruption and make policy recommendations to the president
- to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, to file formal charges against those responsible, and to establish Commission procedures for approving those actions; and
Moreover, the Anti-Corruption Commission was established in every district of Bangladesh to investigate and work to curb corruption.
Government’s Measures to Combat Corruption
Sheikh Hasina’s government has been relentless in its pursuit of eliminating corruption, implementing a multifaceted approach to ensure transparency and accountability in Bangladesh. Such as;
Digitalization and E-Governance:
To promote transparency and accountability, the government has also embraced technology in governance.
For that, the government has also taken significant steps to digitize public services, reducing opportunities for bribery and ensuring a more efficient and transparent system. Through initiatives like the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ campaign, various services, including tax payments and land registration, have been moved online, minimizing direct contact between citizens and officials. This helps in minimizing human intervention and increasing transparency.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Sheikh Hasina emphasized on public awareness in the fight against corruption. The government has conducted awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of corruption and to encourage citizens to report corrupt practices.
Judicial Reforms:
Efforts have been made to reform the judiciary and legal system to ensure fair and efficient handling of corruption cases. This includes increasing the number of judges and improving the overall judicial infrastructure.
Strengthening Institutions:
The government has worked on strengthening various institutions involved in preventing and combating corruption. This includes providing training and resources to law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies.
Strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws and collaboration with international organizations to exchange information and best practices have also been integral to the government’s strategy.
The National Shuddachar Strategy has been formulated and adopted as a national strategy document for establishing good governance through achieving character integrity and curbing corruption. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012, and The Competition Act, 2012 are also the steps in this regard. Through this proactive move, the government is demonstrating its commitment to eradicating corruption and building an environment of good governance in Bangladesh
