Dhaka, Jan 15 (V7N)- The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission has submitted a comprehensive report containing 47 recommendations to the interim government’s chief advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday (January 15). These recommendations aim to address the abuse of constitutional and legal powers, declare bribery illegal, and permanently eliminate the legality of black money laundering.

Key Recommendations

  1. Legal Reforms:

    • Enact laws to explicitly declare bribery illegal.
    • Permanently ban and end the legality of laundering black money.
    • Introduce a conflict of interest law to curb decisions influenced by personal relationships and self-interest.

  2. Institutional Strengthening:

    • Establish search committees for key appointments and promotions.
    • Increase salaries and incentives to attract skilled personnel to the ACC.
    • Ensure automation across all service sectors to reduce opportunities for corruption.

  3. Transparency and Accountability:

    • Introduce measures for transparent political and election financing.
    • Bring all bank transactions, domestic and foreign, under a Common Reporting Practice.
    • Mandate ownership disclosure of anonymous organizations in a National Register, similar to systems in place in other countries.

  4. Monitoring and Strategy Implementation:

    • Develop a national strategy to define the roles of state and non-state institutions in combating corruption.
    • Monitor the implementation of anti-corruption measures regularly.

Addressing Money Laundering

The commission highlighted that the lack of specific laws impedes efforts to stop money laundering. It emphasized the need for robust legislation to address this issue effectively.

Background on the Interim Government and Reform Commissions

The interim government, which assumed office on August 5 following the 15th anniversary of the Sheikh Hasina government, initiated a major reform drive by forming 11 commissions in two phases.

The commissions were tasked with reviewing and proposing changes in key areas, including:

  • Electoral system
  • Police administration
  • Judiciary
  • Public administration
  • Constitutional reform
  • Anti-corruption measures

Reports from the commissions formed in the first phase were due by January 15, while the Judiciary Reform Commission and the Public Administration Reform Commission have received extensions until January 31.

Path Ahead

The ACC Reform Commission’s recommendations aim to create a transparent and effective anti-corruption framework. With the proposed reforms, the ACC is expected to emerge as a stronger institution capable of addressing systemic corruption and promoting good governance.

The government’s next steps, including legislative and institutional changes, will be critical in determining the success of these recommendations.

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