New ACC Secretary vows to overcome image crisis, build people-friendly institution

The newly appointed Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Md Saidur Rahman Khan, has expressed his desire to overcome the commission's image crisis and transform it into a more people-friendly institution.

He made these remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at the ACC headquarters on Sunday (August 2) afternoon, after assuming charge as Secretary.

Md Saidur Rahman said a search committee has been formed and the commission will be constituted at the earliest. "A new government has been formed. The government has electoral commitments. Several reform initiatives have been taken. We are going through a transition. As part of this, I have joined here."

Stating that eliminating corruption is essential for good governance, he said, "There are various rumours and negative perceptions about the ACC. We want to eliminate these negative perceptions and make the ACC more people-friendly. We want to take it to the people and overcome the image crisis we had. We will work together with honesty and integrity in this regard."

He said, "Our commitment is to perform our duties with honesty and integrity. At the same time, all necessary initiatives will be taken to enhance the ACC's institutional capacity. Good governance cannot be ensured without eliminating corruption. To ensure sustainable development, corruption must be banished."

Earlier, on July 29, Md Saidur Rahman Khan was appointed as ACC Secretary through a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration. He officially assumed charge on Sunday, succeeding outgoing Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim. An officer of the 17th batch of the BCS Administration Cadre, Saidur Rahman Khan previously served as Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English Literature from Rajshahi University, and later completed a Master's in Education, as well as higher degrees from Dhaka University and the University of Greenwich in the UK.