The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday said abuse of power is the number one problem in Bangladesh while bribe is the number two.

Speaking at the regular press briefing at the Segunbagicha office of the ACC in the afternoon, he said, "Although bribing and abusing of power are co-related to each other, specifically abusing of power means to favour anybody or organisation by not being financially benefited directly which is the most harmful to the country."

Replying to a question, the ACC Chairman said, "It is not possible to complete the trial of all the corrupt persons before the next national election in 2008. For the justice, it requires time."

Regarding the formation of the Truth Commission, ACC Chairman Hasan Mashhud said, "It is decision of the government whether it would fine or award imprisonment to the stakeholders. But everything has to be lawfully and we hope ACC's views would be considered."

When asked about the progress of ACC's autonomous process, he said it is under process yet and we would be clear by the next week in this regard.

In a reply, he said, "Although the ACC is not an autonomous body yet, we are getting all kind of cooperation from every quarters, including the government and media."

Talking to reporters Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury said at least 85 per cent corruption allegations are related to land and personal and to address all the allegations and problems is not possible by the ACC. But the ACC will monitor all these allegations and request the concern authorities to met the problems.

Replying to another question, he said ACC is doing nothing, which is violating the human rights.