Editorial
Further changes to ACC laws?
Strengthen instead of weakening it
Although we do not have the details of the proposed changes, basing on what we have gleaned from various sources we feel that some changes are in the offing that are likely to cause the ACC to revert back to the character of the erstwhile bureau of anti-corruption (BAC). It was beholden to the executive branch with very little power and initiative of its own.
Our comments basically stem from the attitude and actions of the government regarding the ACC since its coming to power in early 2009. We have noted with concern the approach of the Awami League towards the ACC which flies in the face of its election manifesto and its professed avowal to rid the society of corruption.
We cannot rationalise the reason for keeping the public servants, for that matter any elected representative, out of the jurisdiction of the ACC. Why is it that only the general public will come under the watchdog's purview? That, we feel, is likely make the ACC a showcase only and the fight against graft and corruption is likely to get the short shrift.
It needs to be remembered that while corruption must be curbed across the board, it is corruption at high places, related to public services, government institutions and development works, that causes the maximum damage to the interest of the nation, not to speak of its negative impact on good governance, which needs addressing. How would the government deal with a case like the 2G scam in India if the ACC were bereft of adequate and independent powers?
Through the proposed changes, the government will be destroying an institution whose unfettered activity could otherwise have helped the government to establish credibility and ensure the interest of the nation by addressing the cancer of corruption.
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