ACC’s probe into 249 high-profile individuals shows slow progress: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has highlighted significant gaps in the government's anti-corruption and anti–money laundering efforts, noting that investigations into 249 "high-profile" individuals have made little satisfactory progress.

The findings of a research report titled "One and a half years after the fall of authoritarianism: Expectations and outcomes" were released today (2 February) at TIB's conference room, where it said that despite public demand for reform, the government and ACC have failed to implement urgent measures or take initiatives on broader anti-corruption proposals.

Efforts to recover laundered funds and prevent widespread graft, bribery and other corrupt practices remain ineffective, TIB added. Although there was no dissent from the ACC officials or most political parties, these exclusions were known to the government and ACC, as highlighted at today's TIB report release.

According to TIB, the disclosure of income and assets of the interim government's Advisory Council members has been pledged and policies formulated, but no individual's income or asset details have been made publicly available.

It added that while government employees' assets have been recorded, no verification initiatives have been undertaken, undermining the intent of the directive.

The commission continues to face governmental and bureaucratic influence, and allegations of bias persist in filing or withdrawing cases, TIB said.

Anti-corruption measures have often targeted individuals or groups outside the ruling power, leaving those within largely untouched, with the ACC sometimes supporting controversial government actions, it went on to say.

Urgent ACC Reform Commission recommendations have received little attention and strategic proposals crucial for the ACC's independence and accountability were deliberately excluded without stakeholder involvement, TIB noted.