We’ve not shied away from responsibilities even during the pandemic: ACC Chairman

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmud said the Commission has not shied away from fulfilling its responsibilities even during this Covid-19 crisis.

"We have not moved away from discharging the responsibilities entrusted on us even during this period of crisis…neither shall we do so in future," he said.

He made the remarks during a discussion meeting held to mark the 16th founding anniversary of the ACC on Saturday, reads a press release.

The ACC Chairman opines that the founding anniversary is an opportunity for introspection. Every ACC official must stay true to their own values.

Even though the world is currently in crisis mode, corruption (led by Bangladesh's more nefarious quarters) has not abated. The cases unearthed by ACC amid the pandemic include mask scandal, Covid-19 test fraud, embezzlement of relief materials and medical fraud, he added.

"More than 70 of our officials have been infected with Covid-19 while performing their duties. ACC has lost three of its promising officers," he said with deep regret.

A comprehensive social movement against corruption must be created among students, teachers, intellectuals, media, civil society, and politicians. People from all walks of life should be engaged in eradicating corruption, the ACC chairman opined.

"We are committed to fulfilling our legal responsibilities. So, we are not afraid to take risks. No fear of threats have been able to stop us from discharging our duties," he said.

Education - especially in the primary and secondary levels - is absolutely essential to build a corruption-free nation of citizens armed with a strong, moral compass and basic human values of honesty and decency, Iqbal Mahmud added.

"The number of corrupt people in society is negligible. On our founding anniversary, our commitment is to join hands for the welfare of our people, and to work together till the end to curb, defeat and prevent corruption," he told the audience.

ACC Commissioner, AFM Aminul Islam said everyone wants their children to become judges, barristers, doctors, engineers, or government officials. But parents must also do the hard work of raising their children as good, decent human beings with kindness and empathy.

ACC Secretary, Muhammad Dilwar Bakht said that the ACC had filed cases and arrested perpetrators even when offices were closed during the nationwide shutdown. 90 % of ACC cases are being disposed of via e-documents.

ACC Director General (Special Investigation), Sayeed Mahbub Khan; ACC Director General (ICT and Training Division), AKM Sohail; ACC Director of Intelligence Division, Mir Md Zainul Abedin Shibli; Director of Dhaka Divisional Office, Md Akhter Hossain, and Deputy Director of Jashore integrated District Office, Nazmus Sayadat also spoke at the discussion.

Senior officials from ACC headquarters, and divisional and integrated district offices attended the virtual meeting.