The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

As part of its campaign to combat institutional corruption in the service-providing sector, the Anti-Corruption Commission has formed a taskforce to look into corruption in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

ACC Director General (Admin) Col Hanif Iqbal said at the Commission's regular briefing yesterday that "three-member taskforce, headed by ACC Director Major Maqsudur Rahman, will find out how much money has been misappropriated in purchasing medical, X-ray and laboratory equipment. "It'll also look into corruption and irregularities in tender process," he added.

The two other members of the taskforce are ACC Assistant Director Nasim Anwar and Assistant Inspector Khandaker Akhteruzzaman.

Hanif said the Commission has already written to the BSMMU Vice Chancellor to extend cooperation to the taskforce in appointing a liaison officer, allocating room for it and providing files and documents required by the taskforce.

Replying to a question, the director general said there has been primary communication and investigation would begin in full swing from Sunday.

Earlier, the Commission has formed a four-member special team to look into rampant corruption in Roads and Highways Department.

About the progress of investigation into the Roads and Highways Department, Hanif said the committee has investigated corruption in 11 projects by making spot visits and they would submit investigation report on each project separately.

On the issue of amendments to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, he said it is a continuous process. "If the Commission faces any problems, it might be necessary to bring amendments to the related law and rules. When the Commission will feel the necessity for

the amendments, it would be placed before the government," he informed.

Responding to a question, he said the Commission's Legal and Prosecution Department has been given the responsibility to ascertain what amendments are needed. When they would be placed before the Commission in the shape of proposals, the next steps would be taken after the approval of the ACC, he added.

About inquiries into the wealth statements submitted by former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, Hanif said the inquiry reports are under process and next steps would be taken with the Commission's approval when the reports would come to ACC.

Asked about filing case against former prime minister Khaleda's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, he said the matter is under the Commission's consideration and the next step is expected to be taken in due time.

On the progress of investigation into the Barapukuria graft case against Khaleda and others, Hanif said the investigation officer has already visited the place of incident and he is working on files and evidences relating to the case.

Replying to a question, he said he is not aware whether the Commission has received any lists of corrupt officials from Titas Gas and Civil Aviation Ministry.

Asked about the corruption allegation made by a member of public against a serving Lieutenant Colonel of Bangladesh Army, Hanif said he has no knowledge about that and he would have to know about it before making any comment.