ACC will work free from pressure, meet people’s expectations: New chairman

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will work independently and without any pressure and strive to restore its credibility by meeting people’s expectations, said newly appointed ACC Chairman Justice AKM Asaduzzaman on Wednesday.

“We are not under any pressure, Insha Allah,” he told journalists at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha after taking charge on the commission’s first working day.

“We have started our work today. Pray for us so that we can work for the country according to people’s expectations, restore the ACC’s image and make our best efforts to free the country from corruption,” he said.

Asked whether the new commission would be able to function independently, particularly in light of allegations that the ACC had failed to act independently under previous political governments, Justice Asaduzzaman reiterated that the commission was not under any pressure.

Regarding the challenges facing the new commission, he said the ACC would assess them after starting its work.

Asked about the fate of investigations and cases initiated during the previous Awami League government, allegations of irregularities during the interim government’s tenure and complaints filed against former president Mohammed Shahabuddin, he said they had not yet received any files.

“We have just come. Let the files come. You will see for yourselves what we do,” he said.

Justice Asaduzzaman declined to make advance comments on specific cases or allegations.

“We do not want to talk in advance. If we say something and then fail to do it, you will hold us accountable. So, please give us an opportunity to work,” he said.

Asked whether the commission would expedite charge sheets in pending cases filed by the previous ACC, take steps to bring back fugitives accused in corruption cases and proceed with ongoing investigations, including those involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the chairman said the commission had yet to receive the relevant files.

“We have not yet taken up any file. Once we do, you will regularly know from us what is happening,” he said.

On money laundering and recovery of funds allegedly siphoned out of the country, Justice Asaduzzaman said the commission would discuss the issues before announcing its course of action.

“We are not bypassing you. We will answer all your questions,” he said, adding that the commission needed some time to begin its work.