Many corrupt individuals sheltered by politicians: ACC chief

Bangla Press Desk:  Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen on Monday said that many corrupt individuals are protected and nurtured by politicians, warning that corruption was among the key reasons behind the fall of the previous government.

“Corruption led to the downfall of the past government. Everyone must remain alert and ensure that honest and competent people are elected,” he said while addressing a public hearing organised by the ACC at DC Sahitya Mancha in Chuadanga.

Momen said the ACC has already conducted inquiries, investigations and filed cases against the former prime minister, her family members, and several ex-ministers and lawmakers.

“Many of them have fled the country. We know how and through which routes they crossed the border – some possibly through Chuadanga. We are aware of which countries they are residing in,” he added.

He further said that nomination trading and illegal money transactions usually increase ahead of elections, urging vigilance to prevent such practices.

The public hearing, organised by the ACC’s integrated Jhenaidah District Office in cooperation with the Chuadanga District Administration and the District Anti-Corruption Prevention Committee, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahirul Islam. ACC Khulna Divisional Director Jalal Uddin Ahmed delivered the welcome speech.

Out of 95 complaints raised at the hearing, 33 were resolved on the spot, seven were dismissed and the remaining cases were referred to the Deputy Commissioner’s office for further action.

Several allegations of irregularities were made against officials of various government departments, including the Public Works Department and Sadar Hospital.

The ACC chief warned Executive Engineer Mohsin Ali and Superintendent Dr Bidyut Kumar Biswas following complaints against them.

Allegations of corruption in the BRTA, Registrar’s Office, Food Department, WZPDCL, BADC and local municipality projects were also discussed, with the ACC chairman ordering immediate investigations into some cases.

“We are taking the complaints received in Chuadanga seriously,” Dr Momen said. “Our goal is to strengthen public participation in the fight against corruption. Wherever irregularities exist, the ACC will take action without exception.”

The event was attended by ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Mia Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi, Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain, Khulna Divisional Director Jalal Ahmed, Chuadanga Additional SP (Crime and Operations) Jamal Al Naser, representatives from government and private organisations, journalists and local residents.

BP/SP