Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Bangladesh’s anti-graft watchdog will hold talks with the central bank over corruption in both private and public banks.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmud announced the plan at a view-exchange meeting on strategic plan with the representatives of both print and electronic media at its headquarters in the capital Dhaka on Sunday.
Mr. Mahmud also said the ACC has given highest priority to private banks for the eradication of corruption in the sector.
“The private banks are not private, they are people’s banks, their money belongs to people. We would take measures against private banks if evidence of graft and financial irregularities is found,” the ACC chief explained.
The ACC boss mentioned a few cases filed against irregularities in the private banks, and said there would be more actions against them in the future.
The ACC has already submitted a set of recommendations to the government for making a policy on undisclosed money, according to Mr. Mahmud. “A fair policy is needed about undisclosed money for transparency and accountability in financial matters.”
Replying to a question, he claimed that fund raised through corruption is used in funding militancy. “Money earned through corruption is used in militancy,” he said, striking a note of warning: “No one will remain safe if terrorism and militancy cannot be curbed.”
“If illegal money is not used in militancy, where from such huge money is coming into foreign bank accounts?” He questioned.
The ACC recently finalised the draft of a five-year strategic plan for building capacity of the Commission to effectively tackle corruption in a systematic and structured manner.
The proposed strategy has identified 59 key objectives under eight priority areas to be addressed over the next five years, which could result in a new type of Commission making its real impact in the country’s socioeconomic areas.
The eight priorities are institutional capacity building, effective inquiry and investigation, effective prosecution, effective prevention strategy, needs-based education strategy, innovative research and development, maintenance of neutrality and independence and the strengthening of legal framework.
