ACC may get power to probe Bangladeshis abroad

The Anti-Corruption Commission is set to gain authority to investigate corruption involving Bangladeshi citizens both at home and abroad, as well as foreign nationals residing in the country.

It will be handed this power under the draft Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance 2025, which received in-principle approval at an Advisory Council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday.

Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy afterwards, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the ACC will now be able to pursue allegations against anyone living in Bangladesh, regardless of nationality, and will also have the authority to probe Bangladeshi citizens abroad if evidence of graft is found.

He, however, noted that the mechanisms for conducting investigations overseas are yet to be detailed and will be clarified once the ordinance is finalised.

The draft ordinance introduces several new amendments and definitions aimed at strengthening the ACC's capacity.

Nazrul said, "The draft ordinance defines 'known income' as lawful income -- such matters have been clarified. It also includes provisions to establish special courts in areas where the ACC has offices. Additionally, the commission's functions and powers have been expanded -- covering case filing, investigation, and inquiry."

It also outlines the process for forming the commission, with a seven-member selection committee, headed by an Appellate Division judge, tasked with appointing the ACC chairperson and commissioners.

"The committee will select candidates through public notice and may also choose candidates at its own discretion. Interviews will be conducted with those interested in becoming commissioners," the adviser explained.

Stressing that internal accountability mechanisms must be strengthened before the ordinance is finalised, he said allegations of corruption within the ACC were discussed with urgency at the meeting.

He expressed hope that the new law would enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the anti-graft body's operations. "We want the ACC to earn public trust in combating corruption."

In October last year, the government formed the ACC Reform Commission, led by Dr Iftekharuzzaman, which submitted its recommendation report to the chief adviser on January 15 this year.

Contacted by The Daily Star, Iftekharuzzaman, also executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, said, "The law adviser's comments sound encouraging. But I wouldn't comment further before fully reviewing the draft ordinance, if and when it is available.

"All I'd say is that the government has approved it without involving the ACC Reform Commission. Our request to share the draft [with the commission] before the cabinet's approval was summarily denied, which is disappointing. An unofficial version of the draft shows that significant recommendations made by the commission have been arbitrarily undermined."

He added, "It's particularly frustrating because we've no idea if, in exercising its discretion, the government took into consideration the fact that almost all commission-made recommendations related to amendment of the act had received complete consensus among political parties.

"The government was specifically informed about this. It's embarrassing that it followed the same practice of unilateralism and secrecy as the previous regime."