Anti-corruption drives in the AG’s office and ICT prosecution signal a push for accountability

A series of firm actions against alleged bribery and misconduct in the Attorney General’s (AG) office and the prosecution wing of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sharpened the focus on accountability within Bangladesh’s judicial system.

From the dismissal of a law officer over a multi-crore bribery allegation to criminal proceedings against a staff member and the formation of a fact-finding committee to probe complaints against prosecutors, the recent measures point to a growing institutional resolve to ensure transparency and curb corruption at key pillars of justice.

A written complaint alleged that then Assistant Attorney General Md Abul Hasan took a bribe of Tk 3.20 crore from a litigant, promising to arrange the withdrawal of a stay order in a case.

Responding to the allegation, newly appointed Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal said he was informed of the matter on his second day in office. “Given the seriousness of the complaint, I spoke to the concerned assistant attorney general, but his explanation was not satisfactory,” he said.

Following this, Md Abul Hasan was relieved of his duties and his appointment was cancelled on April 6 by order of the President.

In a separate incident, an office assistant was handed over to police on April 16 for allegedly withholding an গুরুত্বপূর্ণ writ case file from the High Court, potentially harming the state. An administrative officer of the AG’s office, Md Nasir Uddin, later filed a criminal case with Shahbagh Police Station.

According to the case statement, the accused, Md Imran Hossain, deliberately failed to submit the file, possibly in exchange for inducements. Authorities suspect he may be part of an organised network seeking to undermine state institutions for personal gain.

Emphasising accountability, the Attorney General said, “This institution represents the state. Its কর্মকর্তারা must uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. No irregularity or corruption will be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, the ICT has so far delivered four verdicts in cases linked to crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising.

In these widely discussed rulings, 13 individuals were sentenced to death and 10 to life imprisonment, while others received varying terms.

The chief prosecutor’s office has played a central role in these proceedings, contributing to the tribunal’s judicial outcomes. However, recent allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced against some prosecutors.

Media reports claim that one prosecutor demanded Tk 1 crore from the family of a former MP arrested in a crimes against humanity case related to incidents in Chattogram during the uprising, in exchange for securing bail.

In another instance, a prosecutor alleged that the wife of an accused person visited a colleague’s chamber carrying a heavy bag, raising suspicions it contained cash.

To investigate the claims, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office formed a fact-finding committee on March 10. Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said the committee would submit its report soon, after which further action would be taken.

Reiterating his stance, he said, “Since taking office, I have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. No form of corruption will be allowed. We must remain corruption-free under all circumstances.”

He added that any prosecutor or investigation-related individual found engaging in or even contemplating corruption would face serious consequences.