The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

In a major development, the much-talked-about Truth and Accountability Commission has been formed yesterday with the appointments of its Chairman and two members.

Justice Habibur Rahman Khan has been appointed Chairman of the Commission constituted by the present Caretaker Government to deal with the clemency matter of high-profile corrupt elements.

Former Comptroller and Accountant General Asif Ali and Maj Gen (Retd) Manzur Rashid Chowdhury have been made members of the three-man Commission, sources said.

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed approved the appointments in the yesterday from, Bangabhaban sources said.

The Truth Commission, being housed at 'Tatinee', 'Tonmoy' and 'Uttaron', quarters for high officials at Mintoo Road in the city, is expected to start functioning from today.

Justice Habibur Rahman yesterday told reporters that he is yet to receive his appointment letter.

He, however, said that he would attend the Commission office this morning and talk to journalists on his new assignment.

As per provision of the ordinance, the Truth Commission will run for five months after its formation.

The Truth Commission has been formed with a view to giving a scope of clemency to the high-profile corrupt elements.

According to the provision of the Right to Voluntary Disclosure Ordinance 2008 promulgated by the President on June 5, anybody already convicted of graft, with a sentence of two years or less, will get the scope of clemency if he confesses and returns any illegal earnings within a given timeframe.

However, if anyone provides false and misleading information the commission will fine the person Tk 1 lakh or sentence him to six months in jail or both.

On the other hand, the people convicted of arms, drugs, child trafficking and rape cases will not get clemency.

The cabinet approved the Right to Voluntary Disclosure Ordinance 2008, to create the commission, on May 25.

Earlier, the Government had appointed 26 officials and staffers on deputation for the Commission.