The Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation against 43 people involved in illegal casino businesses. A senior ACC official told the reporters that they had obtained evidence against these 43 people to be involved as bigwigs in illegal casino operations, who included ruling party stalwarts and former and serving government officials. On September 18, law enforcing agencies launched drives against illegal casinos and bars in the capital and held several leaders of ruling Awami League’s youth front Juba League, among others, for their involvement in the illegal businesses.
Among the people in the ACC dragnet, 10 were arrested so far in the ongoing drive by law-enforcing agencies. The Commission collected the names of the 43 people from different sources and got hold of primary evidence of their involvement in the illegal business. What’s most interesting is that the remaining 33 people are mainly from different associate and front bodies of the ruling party and the alleged offenders were holding important positions in these organisations. This is quite to be expected, as only ruling party members could be aware of getting patronisation from the police and other security forces — and that patronisation was the very reason why they could continue their illegal occupations without any fear.
But, alas, this very impunity led to their downfall. If it was only gambling then perhaps things could have been overlooked, or they could have got special licenses. But they were also indulging in consuming and storing alcohol, which is illegal without a license. They were also consuming Yaba and other drugs, which are completely illegal. Last, but not least, some of their cohorts were actively involved in grabbing property and running torture cells for torturing poor innocents who refused to give extortion money as per their demand. So, all members of this illegal cohort must be shown the full force of the law, irrespective of their party affiliation — as indeed they all belong to the party in power. Strong punishments are needed to prevent them and their followers from committing such social nuisance activities in the future.
The ACC is seen weak about investigation into big corruption. But that should not mean ACC has a right to harass anybody year after year by not concluding an investigation it begins. ACC must take too many cases but finish quickly the serious cases that must be taken up for punishment. They have to show success by conviction in court.
