DHAKA: Four secretaries, a joint secretary and a former secretary remains under the investigation of Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) allegedly involved in taking fake freedom fighters’ certificates for getting job period extension.

The anti-graft body has already collected some documents from Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Ministry of Public Administration in this regard.

ACC Deputy Director Zulfiqar Ali is leading the investigation process and the ACC officials are likely to submit a report to the commission shortly.

According to the ACC, the accused are--- Liberation War Affairs Secretary KH Masud Siddique, Science and Technology Secretary AKM Amir Hossain, former secretary of Prime Minister`s Office and current Chairman of the Investment Board Mollah Wahiduzzaman, Health Secretary Niyajuddin Mia, Ministry of Expatriates` Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Dr. Khandaker Shawkat Hossain and Joint Secretary of Liberation War Affairs Ministry Abul Kashem Talukder.

ACC sources said that the two-ministry have sent some important documents which can drive them in jeopardy.

The secretaries did not have the freedom fighters’ certificate when they were appointed but they have taken the certificate at their job tenure to get several benefits, ACC sources added.

ACC Commissioner Muhammad Shahabuddin Chuppu told banglanews that the investigation process is underway and the details will be disclosed after the completion of the process.

Officials of the ACC also said that proper legal actions will be taken against the accused if they were found guilty.

ACC officials alleged that the secretaries took freedom fighters’ certificates illegally to get benefits of the government without taking part in liberation war.

However, in last five-year, around 11,150 people took freedom fighters’ certificates for their own sake and benefits.

A notification of PMO says that if any freedom fighter joins in government job, he/she would mention that at his/her joining time. If anyone claims himself/herself as a freedom fighter after joining the workplace won’t be eligible.

However, earlier in last month, ACC sent a notice to Liberation War Affairs ministry asking for attested copies of freedom fighters’ certificates submitted by the six secretaries and other documents to investigate properly.

BDST: 1202 HRS, APR 27, 2014