Acting chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) M Shahabuddin Chuppu on Thursday said the people would raise their voice against the latest amendment to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act.“There was an unholy alliance behind bringing about the controversial change in the ACC act,” he said while addressing the 19th founding anniversary of the commission at Shilpakala Academy in the city.
Shahabuddin said that the government’s attempt will not be successful since it never sees the light at the long run. “The newly passed law has curbed the power and independence of the commission,” he observed.
He regretted that the commission earlier celebrated its anniversaries joyfully but this time the commission people are shocked following the controversial law was passed in Parliament.
Shahabuddin, who is now acting chairman in the absence of its chief M Badiuzzman, made the comment a day after the President gave his assent to the bill.
The bill provided the ACC to take the government approval before filing cases against public servants.
The ACC boss said that it is not justice that the government officials would enjoy a special protection from graft charges.
He termed the discrimination in the law a clear violation of constitution as the constitution ensured the equal rights for all citizens.
Referring to another controversial provision of the law that would provide two to five-year jail term for mistakes of the ACC officials in the investigations he said the ACC officials would not feel comfortable to work under the provision.
The bill was passed by Parliament on November 10, two-and-half years after it was tabled ignoring protests from politicians, civic forums and corruption watchdogs.
The president, Abdul Hamid, on Wednesday gave his assent to the Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2013 ignoring the appeals from several quarters.
ACC secretary Faizur Rahman Chowdhury presided over the function. – Staff Reporter
