The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday sent a second list of 18 corrupt individuals, predominantly sub-registrars, to the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) for considering clemency in return for their ill-gotten wealth.

"We today sent the applications of 18 persons to the TAC…The relevant documents have also been forwarded with their applications," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal told the Commission's regular briefing.

The majority of the 18 individuals are sub-registrars, he said, adding that others include one businessman, one teacher and retired and serving government officials.

Sub-registrars' domain, dealing with land registration, is black-marked as one of the most corrupt sectors in the country.

Some of the officials have already been implicated in bribery cases, he said.

Earlier, Hanif said, the Commission had sent (on August 14) a list of 17 persons to the TAC for considering their applications for clemency.

Responding to a question, he said in addition to 35 persons referred to the TAC, three more individuals have applied to the ACC for referring their cases.

To another questioner, Hanif said no application has been scrutinized before sending to the TAC.

Asked whether there would be any scrutiny in future, he said, "There is no mention of scrutiny in the ordinance (by which TAC was formed)."

In reply to a query, the ACC spokesperson said, "I don't see any reason why those who consider themselves innocent will apply."

Replying to a question, he said that no politician has yet applied to refer his or her case to the TAC for exoneration.