BBC-Bangladesh Sanglap: Allow ACC to act independently

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The government should allow the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to act independently, speakers at the BBC-Bangladesh Sanglap programme yesterday.

The ACC should also act without fear or favour to protect the country's economy and prevent social discrimination, they said.

Rajshahi Mayor and Awami League leader AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Organising Secretary of BNP Mizanur Rahman Minu, Rajshahi University teacher Moloy Bhoumik and Roksana Ferdousi, senior project officer of Barendra Unnayan Forum, were the panellists in the Sanglap held at Rajshahi Medical College auditorium in the city.

Replying to a question why the ACC became inactive during the rule of a political government, Moloy Bhoumik said, "Making ACC inactive is part of our political culture where only a few are free from corruption. Solving the problem is not possible without raising a massive awareness about corruption."

Mizanur Rahman Minu said ACC has lost its credibility for its controversial role after the 1/11 political change.

He underscored the need to ensure smooth functioning of the ACC.

Mayor Liton said the present government has no intention to make ACC inactive.

He also observed many past activities of ACC should be investigated properly.

Replying to another question why many lawmakers are not interested to join parliament session, Minu said more businessmen and bureaucrats were elected than politicians in the last general election. "Parliament does not attract businessmen."

Liton said that not joining parliament session is tantamount to cheating the electorates.

The speakers observed that the prime minister and the opposition leader should work together for the development of the country.

They also called for steps to promote agro-based industries in Rajshahi region for the economic development.

Mithila Farzana of BBC Bangla Service moderated the programme.

The programme will be aired on BBC at 9:00pm today and on Channel i at 8:00pm tomorrow.

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