Seven advisers opposed ACC reforms: Iftekharuzzaman

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has said that opposition to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reforms came not only from bureaucracy but also from at least seven members of the advisory council, calling the situation “deeply disappointing.”

In a recent interview with a private television channel, he said that while some reform commission recommendations were partially implemented, key strategic proposals were deliberately ignored, resulting in no meaningful progress.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that the interim government had taken positive steps, including forming reform and consensus commissions, multiple white paper committees, and establishing a separate secretariat to ensure judicial independence. Yet, fundamental reform proposals supported by all political parties were left unimplemented.

He said the main aim of state reform was to establish a governance structure accountable to the people, with proposed reforms for the National Human Rights Commission, ACC, and Police Commission. However, ad hoc approaches failed to deliver results.

As former head of the ACC Reform Commission, he said 47 specific recommendations, based on domestic and international standards, were submitted last March, but only a few were acted upon, without bringing significant change. Allegations of corruption persist within the ACC, but recommendations to dismiss and prosecute accused officials have not been enforced; only an ordinance amending the ACC Act, 2004, has been issued.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman emphasised four pillars to fight corruption: political will, accountability regardless of position, functional institutions, and active citizen participation.

He also warned that the increasing role of religion in state affairs post-July undermines Bangladesh’s national identity, the Liberation War’s spirit, and democratic values.