the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) were reduced to mere instruments of Sheikh Hasina’s rule during her autocratic regime, commented Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, the interim government's adviser on Law and Parliamentary Affairs.
He made these remarks on Monday (9 December) at an event marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, held in Kakrail, Dhaka.
Asif Nazrul highlighted the absence of justice during the previous regime, which allowed corruption to become entrenched in society.
“The ACC existed, and the High Court was there as well, yet no justice was served. Only Khaleda Zia was subjected to trials,” he said.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, the head of the commission tasked with reforming the ACC, stated that corrupt individuals have long occupied the structures of the state, shielding themselves from accountability.
“This has given rise to a corrupt authoritarian government,” he remarked.
While addressing the event, Dr Iftekharuzzaman added that the reform process has unveiled shocking instances of corruption within state institutions, including the ACC itself.
“We are left with no alternative but to launch an all-out operation against corruption,” he declared.
Mohammad Akhtar Hossain, director general (Prevention) of the ACC, stressed the importance of fostering a virtuous generation.
“Building an anti-corruption society will be easier if we can nurture honest individuals. It is not enough to merely take remedial action; we must instil an anti-corruption mindset in everyone,” he said.
Khorsheda Yasmin, the secretary of the ACC, identified corruption as the major obstacle to the country’s progress. “We must fight corruption collectively to overcome this challenge,” she stated.
She concluded by reaffirming their commitment: “Inspired by the spirit of July, we pledge to continue fighting corruption with unwavering determination.”
