ACC in administrative standstill

The absence of a chairman and commissioners in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reportedly led to a significant slowdown in new inquiries, investigations and case filings. Although there is a statutory requirement to appoint a new commission within 30 days, more than 100 days have passed without such an appointment. There has also been no visible initiative to form a search committee, leaving the organisation effectively in a state of administrative paralysis.

The ACC, Bangladesh’s principal watchdog body for combating corruption, is responsible for investigating money laundering, illicit wealth accumulation, abuse of power, embezzlement of public funds and banking fraud. The institution relies heavily on financial documentation, accounting analysis and complex, evidence-based investigations.

Following the political change on 5 August, the interim government initiated reforms across various state institutions. As part of this process, an ACC Reform Commission was formed, which recommended strengthening the commission’s independence, accountability and operational efficiency. Mohammad Abdul Momen was subsequently appointed as ACC chairman.

During the tenure of the interim government-appointed commission, the highest number of cases in the ACC’s history were reportedly filed, including cases involving ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several senior ministers and officials of the previous administration.

However, following a change in government, Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen, along with two commissioners — Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Brigadier General (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid — resigned on 3 March. Despite the legal requirement to appoint a new commission within 30 days, more than 100 days have now elapsed without fresh appointments.

Former ACC Director General Moidul Islam said the delay was unjustified, stating: “Considering the importance, even the 30-day period should not have been allowed. Ideally, a selection committee should have completed the process within a few days if the government was truly committed to fighting corruption.”

He further noted that leaving such an important institution without leadership for an extended period contradicts the government’s stated electoral commitments.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has also expressed concern over the situation. TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the ongoing stagnation in the ACC’s activities is sending a negative message to the public. He warned that it could contribute to a perception that corruption is being normalised, and that wrongdoers may feel less constrained by enforcement actions.

He stressed the urgent need to reconstitute the commission and implement necessary reforms to restore the ACC’s effectiveness, adding that without freeing the institution from political influence, it would be unable to function effectively in combating corruption.

Responding to concerns over operational inactivity during the leadership vacuum, ACC Public Relations Officer Md Aktarul Islam told that core activities such as receiving complaints, preliminary inquiries and investigations are continuing. However, he said decisions requiring full commission approval, including charge-sheet approvals, have been affected.

He added that he was not aware whether any initiative had been taken to form a search committee or appoint new commissioners.