TIB condemns another wrongful investigation by ACC

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned and expressed deep concerns over another wrongful investigation done by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). 

It has urged the authorities concerned to ensure accountability of those involved in this incident and demanded professionalism from the anti-corruption watchdog.

TIB termed ACC’s claim of a "bona fide mistake" being the sole reason behind the wrongful investigation – which almost led to 15-years of imprisonment of an innocent man – “a meaningless attempt to avoid liability.”

The graft watchdog on Sunday submitted a statement to the High Court expressing sorrow for committing the "mistake" during hearing on a writ petition filed by Mohammad Kamrul Islam.

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TIB, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said: “If appropriate steps were taken following the Jahalam incident, the recurrence of such unacceptable incidents could’ve been prevented.”

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that ACC admitting to the High Court that it submitted a charge sheet against an innocent man named Mohammad Kamrul Islam, a resident of East Rajarampur village in Noakhali, over fraud charges, through a wrongful investigation proves the fact that “how weak and incompetent the ACC is as an institution.”

“The ACC has failed to take any lessons from the Jahalam incident,” said the TIB chief adding: “The ultimate lack of professionalism and accountability has led to a recurrence of such an incident."