The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) plays a central role in combating corruption in Bangladesh and bringing individuals accused of corruption within the ambit of the law. As a state institution entrusted with a critical responsibility, the ACC has an important role in ensuring accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
However, allegations have surfaced at different times against some officials and employees of the commission involving corruption, abuse of authority, harassment of innocent people and attempts to influence investigations. Such allegations have raised concerns among members of the public and prompted questions about the transparency and accountability of the institution.
According to individuals associated with ACC cases and allegations reported at different times, there have been claims that, in some instances, people with insufficient evidence against them were allegedly included in cases alongside the principal accused. There have also been allegations that certain unscrupulous individuals, sometimes acting through intermediaries, have attempted to collect money by threatening people with the possibility of being named in investigations or charge sheets. Most of these allegations, however, have not been established in court. Nevertheless, such claims can create considerable public concern and undermine confidence in the institution.
Some alleged victims have claimed that they were subjected to unnecessary harassment in the name of investigation, prolonged legal procedures and mental pressure arising from the threat of being included in a charge sheet. Many people are reportedly reluctant to make complaints publicly because they fear that doing so could complicate their cases or expose them to further harassment. As a result, both accused persons and individuals who believe they have been wrongly implicated may remain silent out of fear.
At the same time, it would be unfair to view all ACC officials and employees through the same lens. Many officials perform their responsibilities with honesty, professionalism and integrity. The alleged misconduct of a small number of individuals can damage the reputation of the entire institution. There is therefore a growing expectation that honest and competent officials within the ACC will help strengthen internal accountability and ensure that innocent people are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.
One of the most widely discussed cases concerning allegations of corruption within the ACC involved former police officer Mizanur Rahman. ACC Director Khandaker Enamul Bashir was accused of accepting Tk 40 lakh in bribes in connection with the case. The allegations attracted widespread public attention and raised concerns because they involved a senior official of an institution responsible for fighting corruption.
The case also demonstrated the importance of accountability within an anti-corruption agency. Following the allegations, an investigation was conducted, and legal and administrative action was subsequently taken against those involved. Khandaker Enamul Bashir and former police officer Mizanur Rahman were ultimately brought under legal and administrative processes and faced punishment. The case illustrated that allegations of wrongdoing within an anti-corruption institution can themselves be investigated and addressed through appropriate legal procedures.
Another widely discussed case involved former ACC official Sharif Uddin. He came into the spotlight after conducting investigations into several significant corruption allegations, including allegations concerning the illegal issuance of national identity cards to Rohingyas. He was later dismissed from his position and subsequently alleged that he had faced retaliation because of his investigations and proposed action against influential individuals and senior government officials.
The ACC, however, rejected his allegations and stated that disciplinary and administrative complaints against him had led to the decision to remove him from service. The conflicting positions of Sharif Uddin and the commission have generated public debate and raised questions about the protection of investigators, institutional accountability and the independence of anti-corruption investigations.
Concerns about internal transparency and accountability within the ACC have also been expressed by former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder. In an interview, he questioned how the commission could effectively perform its responsibilities if there were serious problems within the institution itself, emphasizing the importance of restoring public confidence through internal reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Former Member of Parliament and lawyer Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon has also criticized allegations of corruption involving some ACC officials. Speaking in Parliament, he raised concerns about allegations against certain officials and called for greater transparency and accountability within the commission. Such concerns are significant because allegations of corruption against officials of an anti-corruption agency can have a direct impact on the institution's credibility and public trust.
In addition, several former individuals involved in ACC cases, speaking on condition of anonymity, have alleged that some investigating officers subjected innocent people to harassment. According to their claims, some individuals were allegedly pressured during different stages of investigations by the threat of legal complications or inclusion in a charge sheet, with attempts allegedly made to obtain money in exchange for relief. Some claim that such experiences caused serious financial losses.
However, these allegations have not necessarily been independently established, and their accuracy can only be determined through proper investigation by the relevant authorities. The reluctance of alleged victims to come forward publicly also highlights the need for a safe and credible mechanism through which complaints against ACC officials can be made without fear of retaliation.
Experts and observers have repeatedly emphasized that an effective fight against corruption requires accountability not only among those accused of corruption but also within the institutions responsible for enforcing anti-corruption laws. Transparency, impartiality and strict adherence to due process are essential at every stage of an investigation. If these principles are properly maintained, innocent individuals will be less likely to face unnecessary harassment, while those against whom credible evidence exists can be brought to justice.
There is no substitute for a strong, independent and accountable Anti-Corruption Commission in establishing good governance and strengthening the rule of law. Therefore, allegations against ACC officials should be investigated impartially, those found responsible for misconduct should face appropriate legal or administrative action, and honest investigators should be protected from undue pressure or retaliation.
At the same time, the rights of every person accused of corruption must be protected through due process, while innocent citizens must receive equal protection under the law. The presumption of innocence, the right to a fair investigation and protection from arbitrary harassment should remain fundamental principles throughout the process.
The expectation of the public and relevant stakeholders is that the ACC will address its internal weaknesses and develop into an institution that is more transparent, impartial, professional and responsive to citizens. Strengthening internal oversight and accountability would not only help reduce allegations of harassment but also reinforce public confidence in the commission's broader efforts to combat corruption.
Ultimately, the fight against corruption will be effective only when the institution leading that fight is itself trusted for its integrity, fairness and accountability. Ensuring that no innocent person is harassed in the name of an investigation, while ensuring that credible allegations of corruption are properly investigated, is essential for strengthening public confidence and the rule of law in Bangladesh.