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The masses, anti-graft professionals, and former and serving Anti-Corruption Commission officials have emphasised transparent and accountable appointment processes for ACC officials and the need to free the ACC from bureaucratic and political control.

Taking part in the ACC reform initiative, they also have stressed the importance of empowering the ACC’s human resources at both national and local levels, so that officials of the anti-graft body must feel a sense of responsibility and authority to act in the public interests, said the ACC Reform Commission chief, Iftekharuzzaman, in a recent interview with ¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·.

Taking the key stakeholders’ feedback into consideration, the commission is going to recommend a strong collaboration among relevant organisations, such as the ACC, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, National Board of Revenue, Criminal Investigation Department and Attorney General’s Office.

‘The collaboration among some state organs is crucial to tackling high-level corruption, including money laundering,’ said Iftekharuzzaman, also the executive director at the anti-graft watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh.

He added that strengthening prosecution and forensic investigation by the ACC would also be recommended.

The ACC Reform Commission was formed on October 3, 2024 and has been assigned to submit a report to the chief adviser by January 7, 2025.

Explaining the necessity of the ACC reform, Iftekharuzzaman recalled that the ACC was established in 2004 with high expectations, replacing the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which was attached to the office of the head of government.

The bureau was widely regarded as ineffective, inefficient and politically misused.

‘We had hoped the ACC would function as an independent body, free from political interference. People’s expectation was that it would not only tackle corruption by non-state actors but also ensure justice for individuals challenging those in power. Unfortunately, this vision has not been materialised,’ he said.

He said that the ACC law and institutional framework introduced at the anti-graft body’s inception were considered robust, the effectiveness of the anti-graft commission had been compromised over time.

‘From the outset, political bias tainted the ACC. Its leaders, including chairpersons and commissioners, were appointed based on partisan considerations. Additionally, the key positions were filled by individuals from the bureaucracy, further establishing political and bureaucratic control over the ACC,’ he said while explaining how the ACC had been made toothless against political influences.

He believes that the lack of independence of the body has had serious consequences.

‘The ACC has consistently failed to act against those in power and their associates. Conversely, it has been weaponised to target opposition figures or individuals who have fallen out of favour with the ruling party. Instead of combating corruption, it has shielded the corrupt and harassed others,’ he said.

Iftekharuzzaman pointed out that the ACC’s dysfunctionality has persisted since its establishment.

‘Corruption has become a hallmark of authoritarian governance in Bangladesh over the past 16 years,’ he observed, adding that institutions like the ACC were captured to protect and promote corruption rather than check it, enabling a system of impunity for those in power.

Reflecting on public discontents, Iftekharuzzaman highlighted the role of corruption in exacerbating inequality.

‘Corruption affects everyone, but particularly those who are in disadvantaged positions. It manifests as a collusion among bureaucracy, politics and business to divert resources meant for the public welfare to private hands. This leads to widespread money laundering,’ he added.

Citing TIB studies, he said that corruption disproportionately impacted the rural poor and widened the gap between the rich and the poor, further entrenching discrimination which, among other reasons, led to the 2024 July uprising.

Asked about the potential for the ACC to function independently, Iftekharuzzaman emphasised the need for leaders with professional integrity, ethics and courage to act impartially. ‘Currently, the ACC operates as a government body, influenced by political and bureaucratic interests. Leaders forget their mandate to hold the government accountable,’ he said.

The reform commission chief called for mechanisms to hold the ACC accountable.

‘Currently, the ACC submits annual reports to the president, which are rarely acted upon. This must change. Regular evaluations of the ACC’s performance are necessary to ensure accountability,’ he observed.

Talking about public opinions on the reform, Iftekharuzzaman said that the ACC’s ineffectiveness had eroded the public trust in the institution.

‘People understand the ACC’s role, but are deeply frustrated by its failure to deliver. A TIB study found that only 0.6 per cent of respondents reported corruption through the ACC’s hotline. This reflects a loss of confidence in the commission,’ he said.

He also noted a troubling societal shift in attitudes towards corruption. ‘There was a time when corrupt individuals were despised. Now, they are often celebrated and hold prominent positions in social and cultural institutions,’ he said.

Policies like allowing the legalisation of undisclosed money and appointing loan defaulters as policymakers have normalised corruption in society, he mentioned.

To address these challenges, Iftekharuzzaman outlined recommendations gathered from various stakeholders. ‘There is internal dissatisfaction within the ACC itself. Many employees want the leadership to be non-partisan, courageous and capable of tackling high-level corruption. They want stolen resources repatriated and the system reformed,’ he said.

Iftekharuzzaman emphasised that reforming the ACC is vital not just to hold individuals accountable but to create a society where corruption is not tolerated.

‘Public awareness, particularly among youth, is essential to building a culture that stands against corruption. The ACC must lead this campaign. Only then it can fulfil its mandate and restore the public trust,’ he said.