Staff Reporter :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to receive expanded powers to investigate corruption allegations involving Bangladeshi nationals both at home and abroad, as well as foreign citizens residing in Bangladesh.
“From now on, the ACC will have the authority to investigate corruption allegations against anyone residing in Bangladesh, whether they are Bangladeshi or foreign nationals. Additionally, if evidence emerges of corruption by Bangladeshi citizens abroad, the ACC will be empowered to investigate those cases as well,” Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Thursday.
The government granted policy-level approval to the draft Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance, 2025 at a meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting, Asif Nazrul said the ordinance introduces several key amendments and new definitions designed to make ACC investigations “broader and more effective.”
He did not elaborate on how the ACC would conduct investigations into corruption committed abroad, noting that “specific procedures will be outlined once the law is finalised.”
Nazrul also said the ordinance provides a clearer definition of the term known income, which previously caused confusion over whether it referred to legal or illegal earnings. “The new law explicitly defines ‘known income’ as lawful income,” he clarified.
The ordinance further provides for the establishment of dedicated ACC special courts in districts where the commission has offices, enabling faster trial proceedings, he added.
Reformed process for appointing ACC leadership
Significant changes are also being introduced to the process of appointing the ACC chairperson and commissioners. “A seven-member selection committee, headed by a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, will be formed to oversee the appointments,” Nazrul said.
The committee will invite applications through public notice and conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates.
According to the law adviser, the ACC’s powers of inquiry, investigation, and case filing are being expanded to strengthen its capacity to combat corruption more effectively.
However, he also emphasised the need for stronger internal accountability within the commission itself.
“The ACC’s job is to fight corruption, but allegations of corruption within the commission have also been raised. This issue was discussed in detail at today’s meeting,” he said.
The new law aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and overall effectiveness in the ACC’s operations.
“We want the ACC to genuinely earn public trust in the fight against corruption,” Nazrul concluded.
