The abrupt termination of ACC official Md Sharif Uddin has triggered the ACC officials in Dhaka and few other places in the country. According to media reports on Friday, Sharif took action against powerful persons over illegal activities. He exposed the land acquisition syndicate, which siphoned off public money, forgery in issuing national identity card and passport, and irregularities in Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company. He also exposed those corrupt people who had arranged Bangladeshi citizenship and passports for the Rohingyas. Thus, the question naturally appears whether the ACC official was sacked for his role in exposing the powerful.
Meanwhile, the ACC officials and staff on Thursday held human chain protests in front of the commission’s headquarters at Shegunbagicha in Dhaka and other places protesting against the abrupt dismissal of Sharif, who they claimed was a hardworking and skilled officer. To them, Sharif had conducted drives and investigated corruption allegations against various offices and hospitals in Chattogram in 2020-21. He had filed 52 cases against people, including government officials and politicians, and unearthed corruption in land requisition in Cox’s Bazar, among others. Sharif was sacked on Wednesday under the Section 54(2) of Anti-Corruption Commission (Servants) Service Rules-2008 without showing any reason. His anti-corruption drives in Chattogram and investigations into various cases had aroused the anger of the accused. At the human chain, some of his colleagues said they face various challenges and threats while carrying out duties.
Media reports further said the corrupt people issued death threats to him on January 30 and told him to quit his job within two weeks. Then he filed a police complaint seeking protection for himself and his family. He, however, suspected the accused, particularly those who had arranged Bangladeshi citizenship for the Rohingyas, for the threats.
It is unbelievable that an important officer should be sacked allegedly without giving him opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. It is clear to all our government officials used to act slavishly under pressure. Although the ACC is supposed to be independent body, it cannot initiate any corruption case against high government officials without the sanction of the prime minister. Apart from that the slavish nature of public officials is such that they yield to pressure and caring law.
This firing with him with no room for self-defence was tantamount to supporting corruption. On the other hand, top ACC officials claimed that Sharif was engaged in various activities that violated ACC rules. In June last year, Sharif was transferred to Patuakhali from Chattogram.
We want ACC to clarify its position to dispel confusion over the termination. Otherwise, the people’s trust, which has already been downgraded, will face a serious disaster. Besides, it will also help encourage corruption where the efficient and the honest officer suffer the most.
