The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has begun the process of investigating the cases filed against former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, and eight others for alleged corruption in awarding contracts to Niko Resources.

Two investigating officers have been appointed to investigate the two high-profile cases filed with Tejgaon police station on December 9.

"Decision has been taken about appointments of (investigating) officers and two officials have been given appointments," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal said replying to a question during the Commission's regular briefing this Thursday afternoon.

After the briefing, he informed over phone that ACC deputy director Shabbir Hasan has been given the responsibility to investigate the case against Sheikh Hasina and others, while ACC assistant director Shahidur Rahman has been made investigating officer of the case against Khaleda and others.

Replying to a question, Col Hanif said office orders in this regard would be issued very soon to the concerned officials.

At the press briefing, he said the task of scrutinizing fresh complaints and those received earlier by the Commission has already begun.

The ACC director general informed that of the 147 complaints received on Wednesday, seven complaints actually fall under the schedule of the Commission. A decision would be taken about the seven complaints after further close examination, he said.

He hoped that the task of scrutinizing nearly 70,000 complaints received by the Commission earlier would be completed within next three months.

Replying to a question, Col Hanif said the Commission is carrying out public relation activities to make people aware as to what types of complaints are under the schedule of the Commission.

On media reports on primary inquiry about the wealth of Khaleda Zia's younger brother and former BNP MP Major (retd) Sayeed Iskander, he said the Commission has not yet taken any initiative in this regard. "No discussion took place in the Commission in this regard."

He, however, said there was an initiative during the time of defunct Bureau of Anti-Corruption, but later the matter went to court. "If the Commission finds it necessary, there is no obstacle to reviving the inquiry."

Asked when the charge sheet in GATCO case against Khaleda, her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko and others would be submitted, Hanif said it is not possible for him to give the timing, as this is for the Commission to decide. "But the Commission will have to be given as many days as required to scrutinize the case."

Asked if the Commission has received the draft of the proposed Truth Commission, he said the ACC is yet to receive anything officially.

Meanwhile, the Commission has approved the issuance of notice to Shafiqul Islam, an assistant engineer of Sylhet Zila Parishad, directing him to submit his wealth statement. It has been found in the primary inquiry that he has wealth worth about Tk 1.6 crore beyond known sources of income.