ACC seeks info on dual citizenship of govt employees

ACC

Dhaka, Jan 1 --The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has asked agencies to provide information regarding dual citizenship held by some government employees.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhtar Hossain confirmed the development at a press briefing on Wednesday.

In this regard, the ACC sent letters to the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, and the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In the letters, the ACC mentioned that it has recently observed that some corrupt government employees are obtaining and using foreign passports while concealing this information.

"They are using passports from different countries to avoid punishment or legal action in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. These individuals are attempting to protect themselves from legal consequences and cover up their misdeeds," the letter says.

The ACC also highlighted that in these cases, the suspected government employees acquire both Bangladeshi and foreign citizenships simultaneously, which is a violation of Section 40 of the Public Service Act, 2018.

The ACC Director General explained that investigations have revealed that the main purpose behind obtaining multiple passports is to conceal illegally acquired assets and smuggle them abroad.

"Their activities contribute to the spread of corruption and harm the country's economy. Furthermore, after obtaining foreign citizenship, there is often a noticeable lack of interest in the moral responsibilities of their government positions in Bangladesh, which is unacceptable," he said. - UNB