Establish a task force to address corruption within the ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission has recommended establishing an independent internal disciplinary division to combat corruption within the ACC. It has also suggested forming a high-powered task force to swiftly identify and take action against corrupt ACC staff. These proposals were detailed in the Reform Commission's report, submitted last Wednesday by its head, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, to the chief adviser.  

The report urged the ACC to set up the task force with government support, comprising members from investigative and intelligence agencies. Its mandate would include identifying corrupt officials, ensuring their dismissal through departmental action, and prosecuting them under criminal law.  

The commission also recommended replacing the ACC's existing internal anti-corruption committee with an independent internal disciplinary division. This proposed division would include ACC personnel and staff on deputation from defense, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. Its responsibilities would include enforcing the ACC code of conduct, conducting covert inquiries into corruption, carrying out counter-intelligence activities, and investigating violations of internal discipline. Additionally, the division would review asset declarations under the ACC (Employees) Service Rules, 2008, and impose penalties where necessary.  

According to ACC records, 238 officials and staff members have faced disciplinary actions over the past 16 years for offenses such as extortion, fraud, bribery, and corruption. Punishments have included dismissals, forced retirements, demotions, and salary reductions. In the past year alone, nine officials were penalized, including terminations, while investigations are ongoing against 13 others. Another 25 employees are under scrutiny by the ACC's internal anti-corruption committee.  

From 2008 to 2013, disciplinary measures were taken against 95 employees, with 18 dismissed. In 2008 alone, 32 employees were penalized, including four dismissals. Despite these efforts, allegations of corruption continue to surface, though not all have been substantiated.  

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

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

Hossain declined to comment specifically on the Reform Commission's report.