UNB, Dhaka
As per government guidelines, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) itself is going to dispose of former Energy adviser Mahmudur Rahman’s complaint against the ACC Chairman accusing him of misappropriating Tk 22.41 crore through money laundering.
“We sought guideline from then government about the complaint against the chairman. According to that guideline the Commission itself can dispose of the matter. Two commissioners (Habibur Rahman and Abul Hasan Manjur Mannan) have been given responsibilities in this regard,” ACC Director General (Admin) Col Hanif Iqbal said in the regular briefing Monday afternoon.
He said the two commissioners would reach a decision after going through the documents and talking to individuals, including the complainant.
Later Hanif told UNB that the Commission received the guideline from the Cabinet Division about 7 to 10 days ago, after the departure of the caretaker government.
On October 26 last year, Mahmudur Rahman, now chairman of Amar Desh Publications Ltd, tried to file a case with two police stations against Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury accusing him of misappropriating Tk 22.41 crore through money laundering when the former army chief Mashhud was chairman of the Trust Bank.
On police refusal to accept the case, Mahmudur Rahman sent the complaint by registered post to the ACC on October 27, 2008. The ACC received the complaint on October 29. At a press briefing on October 27, the ACC chairman vehemently denied any wrongdoing. On November 5, 2008, the anti-graft watchdog referred the complaint to then caretaker government for disposal.
About the reason for such a decision, the press was told at that time, “Since the complaint is against its chairman, the Commission thought it would be prudent to send it to the government.”
About ACC’s proposal for amending the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, which was discussed in Monday’s cabinet meeting, Hanif said the Commission has sent four proposals.
The amendment was sought as the Commission felt that there are loopholes, Hanif said, adding that proposals also included provision to seek expert opinions from any government department.
About alleged abuse of power by some government ministers and MPs in the upazila elections, the ACC spokesperson said there was discussion in the Commission about it.
Responding to a query, Hanif said no directive was given to stop legal procedure against any individual and that legal activities would continue.
About running of cases against Awami Legue ministers and MPs, the ACC spokesman said there has not been any change in policies of the Commission. The ACC has not adopted any policy either to give concession to any party or go after any party, he added.
Asked if there is any hindrance to investigations against ministers and ruling party MPs, Hanif said, “We have not yet faced any hindrance
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
