The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) on serious crime and corruption has referred the names of 145 corrupt persons to the Truth and Accountability Commission for considering their applications for clemency in return for their illegal wealth.

"Yes, we today received 145 cases from the NCC. This is the first referral by the NCC," a well-placed source told UNB.

The source, however, would not divulge any other details about the names referred.

The Anti-Corruption Commission also today sent a list of 17 individuals, the source added.

But, ACC spokesperson Col Hanif Iqbal told the Commission's regular briefing yesterday afternoon that applications of 18 individuals have been forwarded to the TAC.

Meanwhile, according to TAC sources, the Commission has already decided to extend the timeframe by another month beyond September 1 because of poor response from hesitant mercy-seekers.

In another development, the TAC will get down to hearing clemency applications on September 1.

Earlier, the TAC fixed August 25-28 for speaking to 21 applicants who applied before the day's referral. If satisfied with their statements, the applicants would be provided with the prescribed forms to make the declarations. During that period, the applicants would be informed about the dates for hearing.

Accordingly, TAC reportedly spoke to four applicants today and they filled up the prescribed forms to make declarations. The date for hearing their applications has been set for September 1.