THERE were allegations that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation officials have to face job uncertainty for their failure to appease top bosses in the commission. In case of failure they have to face music in the courtroom to let the corrupt government officials go scot-free. According to a news report in a national daily on Thursday, an ACC commissioner (investigation) in early 2017 ordered an assistant director to rush to Narail’s Lohagara upazila and probe a graft allegation worth about Tk 2 crore centering on the social safety net programme. After the enquiry, it was found that the amount was allegedly misappropriated by creating fake projects to pocket funds from the government scheme.
The report further said the commission filed two cases against the then upazila nirbahi officer, an engineer, the local chairman and contractors in this regard. As preparations were underway for filing two more cases, the assistant director of the commission was shocked to know that he had been served a show-cause notice asking on what grounds he went to probe the matter. For about six months, the officer was not given any new task. Finally, the cases went nowhere as the anti-graft watchdog drew the conclusion that those allegations were not true. Recommendations for filing two more cases were also not entertained by the ACC.
Critics say the retired bureaucrats are occupying the highest posts in independent state bodies like the Anti-Corruption Commission, Bangladesh Bank, Public Service Commission, Election Commission, Information Commission and National Human Rights Commission. These posts work as gifts for government obedient bureaucrats. Veteran politicians including Tofail Ahmed, Kazi Foroz Rashid, Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Rashed Khan Menon had also termed the country as a bureaucratic regime under political rule. They blamed the failures of politicians for the present bureaucratic dependency.
According to ACC insiders, the top tiers of the autonomous body always sympathise with officials of a particular cadre — administration — and sweep corruption allegations involving them under the carpet. Preferring not to be named, they alleged that the commission has turned into an organisation of giving clean chit to government officials, particularly admin cadres. In many cases, the investigation officers are compelled to give in to pressure and submit reports against petty officials. They also mentioned a glaring example of the recently sacked efficient deputy assistant director Sharif Uddin, which triggered huge outrage among his colleagues.
A skilled and efficient bureaucracy is a fundamental pillar of democracy. It also plays a pivotal role in policy formulation, implementation, and catering public services to citizens. That bureaucracy will come in again only when a true democracy will be established.
