ACC chief pitches for separate body to monitor police

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) wants a separate body to monitor police and ensure it becomes "people friendly."

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 2 Nov 2016, 09:51 AM
Updated : 2 Nov 2016, 09:51 AM

ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood said that they have made the suggestion in their annual report submitted to the president.

The graft watchdog organised a press conference on Wednesday to brief the media on its 2015 report that was handed over to President Md Abdul Hamid on Oct 24.

Referring to allegations against police, Mahmood said, "We have recommended an independent judicial commission to monitor police. We believe it would make the force more people friendly."

 He said their report also includes specific recommendations over appointments, procurements, reforms of government organizations, including police as well as for banks and financial institutions.

 Apart from a body to monitor police, the ACC also suggests setting deadlines for investigation and trial under the Code of Criminal Procedure as well for civil cases.

"Police plays the very important role of solving problems. We believe there will be a check and balance, if an independent body monitors their activities," said the ACC chief.    

He claimed that corruption has generally come down in Bangladesh. "The common indicator is growth; it goes up when corruption decreases."

As the ACC were preparing for the media brief, a Dhaka court convicted ruling Awami League MP Abdur Rahman Badi for corruption.

The lawmaker from Cox's Bazar was ordered three years in prison for concealing wealth information.

"Anyone involved in corruption will be brought to justice," Mahmood said.