TIB Questions Appointment of Graft-Accused in ACC

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government’s attempt to appoint an official accused of corruption to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), calling it a troubling move that could undermine the agency's effectiveness in combating corruption. In a press release issued on Wednesday, TIB expressed concern that such appointments might signal efforts to weaken the ACC from within the government.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman questioned the rationale behind appointing Amin Al Parvez—an officer facing serious corruption allegations—to the ACC, suggesting that it raises fears that the government might be shielding corruption instead of addressing it. The appointment was reportedly linked to a land acquisition scam in Cox’s Bazar, and TIB welcomed the ACC’s decision to cancel the appointment.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasized, "The most pressing question is: On what grounds was an officer, already accused of corruption, appointed to the ACC on deputation? This decision directly contradicts the recommendations made by the ACC Reform Commission, which called for the identification, dismissal, and prosecution of corrupt officers within the ACC."

He continued, "This raises serious concerns about the government's intentions. Is it trying to protect corruption and make the ACC ineffective? Instead of strengthening the ACC’s ability to fight corruption, it appears efforts are being made to subvert its purpose from within."

In 2020, Amin Al Parvez, who was serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner for Education and ICT in Cox's Bazar, was accused of embezzling 22.28 crore taka from a Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) building project and land acquisition process in Cox’s Bazar. An investigation by the ACC later revealed that Parvez had used fraudulent means to benefit himself and others, abusing his power in the process.

TIB also urged the ACC to use this incident as a wake-up call, remaining vigilant in all future appointments, especially those made on deputation, to ensure they are free from political or undue influence. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added, “The government, particularly the bureaucracy, must refrain from actions that undermine the reform goals of the ACC. Such decisions cannot be allowed to weaken the agency’s integrity.”

He further emphasized, "It is essential that the interim government sets a strong example of accountability. Shielding corruption or rewarding those implicated in it tarnishes the credibility of the administration. Otherwise, it risks resembling the kleptocratic systems seen under authoritarian regimes."