This is nothing but a clear demonstration of a conflict between the government and the Commission. The ACC is, however, yet to begin its activities of investigation of corruption cases in full gear. The structure of ACC has been framed in such a manner so that the bureaucrats can hold most of the top positions on deputation. If it is allowed the very purpose of the organisation is sure to be defeated.

In this context, English writer Francis Bacon's essay "Of Great Place" can be recalled. He said, "Men in great place are thrice servants: servants of the sovereign or state, servants of fame and servants of business. So as they have no freedom, neither in their persons, nor in their actions, nor in their times. It is a strange desire, to seek power and to lose liberty, or to seek power over others and to lose power over man's self. The vices of authority are chiefly four: delays, corruption, roughness and facility."

Justice Sultan Hossain Khan, Chairman of the ACC is opposed to the proposed organogram of the Cabinet Division as he thinks it is contradictory to the ACC Act. He has also reportedly sent a letter to the relevant authority in this regard.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman made it clear that ACC should not consider itself as free as the judiciary. ACC, in his opinion, is similar to Bangladesh Bank and Election Commission. He described ACC as a part of the Executive wing of the government. The remarks of the finance minister can be seen as the government's stand on it.

It is not understandable why the government has taken long time to set up the ACC, which was one of its major election pledges. Since inception, the ACC suffered internal conflicts and in the process investigation of corruption cases suffered.

The Awami League (AL) does not talk much about the ACC the way it should for reasons best known to the party. It's widely believed that there is a strange understanding between the ruling alliance and the AL so that the anti-graft body cannot function independently with efficiency.

Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain at a recent function, sponsored by The "Monthly Legal Aid" on "Corruption, Awareness and Citizens," emphasised the need for the state policy makers to take a three-pronged approach of enforcement, prevention and awareness to combat corruption.

"At this moment it would be an elusive goal for the nation to eradicate corruption as a whole because the scale of corruption is so enormous that many stalwarts of the society have close involvement in this unholy process," he said.

Sounding a note of caution over all pervasive corruption in society the Chief Justice said, "Corruption would continue unabated and ultimately affect all the pillars of the national integrity system unless the causes of corruption are addressed, unless the society is empowered to stand up for its rights and unless political will is created to take unpalatable decisions to prevent corruption."

The reasons of the observations of the Chief Justice can be attributed to deviation of different institutions from their normal course of actions. If one looks at prevailing condition in the country's judicial system, education, mass media, bureaucracy and even postal department, one will find sort of a frustrating picture in their functioning.

The influence of illegal money and political power can be felt in every sphere of social life, which is an ominous sign for the country. There are allegations and not without basis that candidates who can grease the palms of a section of Public Service Commission ( PSC ) top bosses or have political connections, are considered for appointment through different competitive examinations. Thus candidates having brilliant academic records suffer from a sense of frustration.

Money and political connections have been playing important role even in influencing verdicts in some of the lower courts. If this trend continues, people instead of going to courts for finding redress of their grievances, might take law in their own hands. Such steps need to be taken for restoration of people's confidence in the judicial system before the situation goes beyond control.

As regards detection of corruption cases the ACC probably can begin its job chasing after those who have booked flats in Malaysia or Dubai, send children for education abroad, own flats and houses in posh residential areas, use luxury cars and frequently travel abroad with families.

It is not only the customs officials, taxation people and policemen who are leading lives disproportionate to their known sources of incomes but a sizeable number of politicians belonging to major political parties also fall in this category. Even the wealth of a section of professionals should be investigated as they evade income tax. They are all contributing towards social imbalance and moral degradation.

One also expects quick resolution of the conflict between the ACC and the government so that the anti-graft body can begin its assigned task without further delay.

Nurul Huda is a Special Correspondent of BSS.