Corruption blamed across sectors, politicians ultimately held accountable: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that corruption exists across all sectors, but political leaders are often left to bear the ultimate blame.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday (June 15) during discussions on supplementary budget allocations for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the minister responded to remarks made by Independent MP Rumeen Farhana. He said that although corruption occurs at multiple levels, final approvals and signatures often come from political authorities, making them the primary target of public criticism.

“Corruption happens everywhere. But in the end, politicians are blamed for everything,” he said, adding that many official files require ministerial approval, which places responsibility at the political level.

The minister also moved a proposal for additional ACC funding in Parliament, reportedly on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Addressing institutional reforms, Salahuddin Ahmed said a search committee is being formed to appoint the ACC chairman and commissioners, describing it as a temporary arrangement. He added that discussions are underway to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening the anti-graft body.

He noted that an ordinance issued earlier to reinforce the ACC during the interim government period was not passed by Parliament, and that the commission has been without a chairman and commissioners since March 3.

Explaining the delay in forming the search committee, the minister said the process was awaiting representation from the Chief Justice’s office, which had recently been finalised. “We have sent letters and taken initiatives. The government is committed, but coordination delays slowed the process,” he said.

The minister added that once the search committee is formed, the ACC will be reconstituted and further reforms will be undertaken. He also said a new ACC bill would be introduced to make the institution stronger and more effective in combating corruption.