Dhaka: The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Tuesday urged the government to make the Anti-Corruption Commission independent, neutral and effective in carrying out combat against a reported pervasive spread of corruption, which earned Bangladesh bad name in the recent past.

In the wake of government move to recast the ACC Act 2004, the country chapter of the Berlin-based anti-graft watchdog made the call from a human-chain demo and signature campaign staged in front of the National Press Club.

The TIB leaders demanded retaining the ACC as a constitutional body free from government and political interventions for the sake of the reclaimed democracy.

They also stressed the need for the formation of a special parliamentary or judicial body in place of the President as the supervisory authority over the ACC.       

Sushasoner Jonno Nagarik (SUJAN) and SEBA, two NGOs that mainly work for establishing good governance in the country, also joined forces with the TIB in the campaign for remaking the ACC as an effective weapon in the war on corruption.

From the programme, they kicked off a month-long signature campaign across the country to mobilize public opinion in support of their move for curbing corruption and ensuring good governance.       

Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Ain O Salish Kendra and ex-adviser of caretaker government, said the amendment draft already finalized on April 26 is a “clear violation of the government’s commitment given in their election manifesto”.

Hafizuddin Khan, also former adviser of the caretaker government and chairman of TIB, said if the government enacts the draft into law, the commission would become valueless. “ It would be considered a mockery with the people,” he said.

He advocated for proper training of its employees and infrastructural development of the watchdog autonomous body to arm them with capabilities worth the tough job.

Executive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman said they would continue to put pressure on the government for changing the decision.

The government has taken initiative to amend the ACC Act 2004 and form a committee for drafting the amended law meant for guiding the commission, which had herded up high-profile corruption suspects after the 1/11 political changeover.

On April 2010 the committee finalized the draft containing some controversial provisions that critics apprehend would render once-dreaded watchdog to a toothless tiger.

BDST: 1256HRS, May 18, 2010

TSA/LY/MUA/