Commentary: ACC`s `all out efforts` must begin with corruption at the top

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had so far proved ineffective, in containing corruption. The country is sinking in oceans of corruption although it has no reason to be ineffective given the will to act. ACC Director AFM Aminul Islam said stopping corruption is possible, if politicians really want it, as per a report of a local daily. This does not show ACC’s strong will. But the people, too, would have to be involved with this as per his statement at UCB public parliament function marking the grand finale of a yearlong debate competition at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the city.

Aminul Islam highlighted various activities of ACC and said the Commission is making all-out efforts to curb corruption. Along with punitive actions, the ACC is giving emphasis on creating public awareness for prevention of corruption. The corrupt people will flee if all declare a war against them in a body, the ACC Director said and stressed the need for taking punitive actions as per the law against those who take and offers bribes.

We have to say this that the ACC has not been made independent for waiting for political will or public awareness. These are excuses for avoiding one’s own responsibility. Who else will do what should not be the concern of the ACC. Prove yourself what you can do.

 As long as those in power do not feel constrained to act honestly the politicians will have no will to stop corruption. Corruption will remain a force to politicise and buy power base. Especially when the government has no public accountability. As a result, corruption exists in every sphere of the government.

However the ACC has been formed with the sole intention of stamping out corruption in high places of government. But in practice ACC officials are found often too busy to show their power over weak people. It should show no fear or favour while fighting corruption among the high and mighty. But time and again it has failed in its ability to do so – remaining a threat for petty thieves.

Meanwhile the ACC could do a good job by clearing up its own stables. There are issues of serious incompetence and corruption by its own officials who seem intent on abusing power. They must have people over them to ensure they themselves do not become corrupt. This should be unacceptable.

Most importantly if the ACC thinks it has to wait for the will of the politicians for fighting corruption then it should just relax and do nothing .Corruption is politically protected, so do not expect political for restraining corruption.
So far as public awareness is concerned it should not also be used as an excuse of weakness of the ACC? If you cannot show courage say so.

The Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional the law that makes permission of the government necessary for going ahead with corruption cases against highly placed government functionaries. So no hindrance can stand in the way of to act boldly.