The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will not give any retrospective effect of the Emergency Powers Rules (EPR) in filing any graft case until disposal of such a case pending in the Supreme Court against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Director General Colonel Hanif Iqbal said this at the weekly briefing while clarifying the ACC's stand not to include the Boropukuria coal mine case against former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and 15 others in the EPR.

He said the ACC has the authority to decide whether a case would be brought under the EPR or not. But, the commission is yet to discuss inclusion of the case in the EPR, he said referring to the will of the commission and earlier comments by the ACC chairman in this regard. The DG expected that investigation into the Boropukuria case would be launched by next week after appointment of an investigation officer (IO).

The IO would take decision on arresting the accused in the case if he deems it necessary taking the situation into consideration, Colonel Hanif said adding that a warrant for arrest may be issued against any accused if he/she tries to destroy evidence of the case or leave the country to avoid trial.

Meanwhile, the ACC yesterday decided to serve notices on four persons, including Mayor of Khulna Sheikh Tayebur Rahman, asking them to submit wealth statements to the commission within the timeframe allowed by the ACC Act-2004.

Other persons, who will receive the notices, are: former Managing Director of Rural Power Company Ltd Jahurul Islam Khan, Customs Inspector of Siddheshwari Circle of Dhaka M Harun-ar- Rahman and constable of Rajbari Police Lines M Yusuf Sharif.

The ACC also approved the charge sheet in the corruption case against Chairman of Jamuna Group Nurul Islam Babul, his wife Salma Islam and son Shamim Islam.

Col Hanif Iqbal said Babul and his family members were accused of acquiring illegal wealth of about Taka 5.56 crore and concealing information about wealth of over Taka 4.17 crore in the wealth statement submitted to the ACC.