ACC to get authority to probe corruption abroad, foreign nationals at home

Highlights:

• ACC to probe corruption by Bangladeshis abroad, foreigners locally.
• Govt approves draft Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance 2025.
• 'Known income' clearly defined as lawful earnings in law.
• ACC special courts to be set up in districts.
• New seven-member panel to select ACC leadership transparently.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to receive expanded powers to investigate corruption allegations involving Bangladeshi nationals both at home and abroad, as well as foreign citizens residing in the country.

"From now on, the ACC will be able to investigate corruption allegations against anyone residing in Bangladesh, whether they are Bangladeshi or foreign nationals. Moreover, if evidence of corruption by Bangladeshi citizens abroad is found, the ACC will also have the authority to investigate those cases," said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul today (23 October).

The government today gave policy level approval to the draft of the "Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance, 2025" at a meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Following the meeting, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

He said the ordinance includes several important amendments and new definitions aimed at making ACC investigations "broader and more effective."

However, he did not specify the process through which the ACC would conduct investigations into corruption committed abroad. "Details will be included once the law is finalised," he said.

Asif Nazrul added that the new law provides a clearer definition of the term "known income", which previously caused confusion over whether it referred to legal or illegal income. "The ordinance now explicitly defines 'known income' as lawful income," he clarified.

The new ordinance also includes the establishment of dedicated ACC special courts in districts where the commission has offices, enabling faster trial proceedings, the adviser said.

Reformed appointment process for ACC leadership

Significant changes are also being introduced to the appointment process for the ACC chairperson and commissioners, mentioned Asif Nazrul, saying, "A seven-member selection committee, headed by a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, will be formed to oversee appointments."

The committee will invite applications through public notice and conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates.

According to the law adviser, the ACC's powers related to inquiry, investigation, and filing of cases are being expanded to ensure it can combat corruption more effectively.

He, however, also stressed the need for stronger internal accountability within the commission itself.

"The ACC's work is to fight corruption, but there have been allegations of corruption within the commission as well. This issue was discussed with great importance in today's meeting," he said.

This law will create opportunities to increase transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the ACC's activities.

"We want the ACC to truly earn public trust in combating corruption," he said.