ACC not getting specific information on money laundering, says chairman
ACC is yet to get a response from the foreign ministry on letters to them from the ACC, seeking information on money laundering
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is not getting specific information regarding money laundering, Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, chairman of the organisation, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an introductory meeting with the executive committee of Reporters Against Corruption (RAC), he described 'lack of information about smugglers in the country and abroad, including from the ministry, as a major obstacle' in money laundering investigations.
Last November, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen disclosed information about Bangladeshi officials and politicians building homes in Canada's 'Begum Para'. The information sparked heated discussion in parliament.
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Later, the ACC sent letters to the foreign ministry seeking more information about money laundering in foreign countries. Several months have passed since then, but the ACC is yet to receive any response from the ministry in this regard.
"The High Court has asked for a list (of money launderers). But we don't have any list," said the ACC chairman, adding that they informed the foreign ministry about the HC order.
"We repeatedly urged them ( to give information), but so far there has been no response," he said.
Abdullah said, "We have to be informed on how much money is being laundered and where. This information is provided to us by the Bangladesh Bank and the foreign ministry. We work on the basis of allegations made by them."
"Usually, we need to be informed about money laundering. Information in this regard is generally documented. If we get the information appropriately there is no chance of losing cases."
Meanwhile, two ACC commissioners said that despite limitations, the national anti-graft watchdog is continuously working to eliminate all kinds of corruption.
Commissioner (Enquiry) Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan said, "We don't want to compromise with such corruption. The amount of money that is being lost in corruption can be used to complete big projects.
Commissioner (Investigation) Md Jahurul Haque said, "We are focused on large scale corruption."
"Corruption mechanisms that launder money out of the country are more damaging than those that keep money in the country."
