The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Less than two weeks to go before an extended deadline expires for the corrupt to seek clemency in return for their ill-gotten wealth, the Truth and Accountability Commission is yet to find any such penitent politician.

The extended deadline for applying for clemency expires on September 30. The Commission that was incepted about one and a half months ago had initially fixed September 1 as the deadline for filing clemency applications.

Most of the corrupt individuals who have applied so far are government employees from different departments. And they have come with peanuts in their coffers to show as their illegally made wealth and buy mercy therewith.

Tac chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan yesterday expressed frustration for no response from politicians and very lukewarm response from businessmen.

Speaking at the Commission's weekly briefing, he said though Tac was primarily intended for politicians and businessmen, they are not coming up.

"We can't move forward. We don't get responses," the Tac chairman lamented.

He said being barred from participating in elections for five years is the main reason behind politicians shying away.

Justice Khan, however, would hold patience with some optimism that politicians and businessmen would eventually come within the timeframe.

Asked if the deadline would be further extended, he said the Commission is yet to think about it but they would consider if circumstances demand extension.

The Tac chairman said that as of Tuesday, 230 corrupt individuals have applied. Of them, 205 are government servants, wives of 16 of them, six businessmen and three belonging to other professions.

He said that till Tuesday hearings about 70 clemency seekers have

been completed. According to Tac sources, the Commission yesterday heard seven persons, taking the figure to 77.

Justice Khan informed that two cases have been returned to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigations, as the individuals had changed their mind about seeking clemency. Through ACC they had applied for clemency, but, during hearing, they stated they did not seek clemency.

He said the amount of money pledged so far stands at over Tk 15.53 crore.

About the government servants seeking clemency, Justice Khan said there has been consciousness among them about taking bribe and it would be very good if they correct themselves.

About those who have been ordered to deposit their ill-gotten wealth in return for clemency, the Tac chairman said final verdicts have not been delivered. Clemency certificates would be issued only after depositing money using a particular code, he added.

There would be serious consequences if the individuals don't deposit pledged ill-gotten money in specific time, he warned. Sources said the clemency-seekers are given minimum two weeks to four weeks to deposit money.

Responding to a question, the former High Court judge said it would be a success if government offices turned for the better due to the Commission.

To another questioner, he admitted that most of the government servants seeking clemency are low-level employees and there are few first-class officers.

About extension of the five-month tenure of Tac, Justice Khan said, "We don't want extension. It's the matter for the government to take a decision about this."

He said even after the expiry of five months they would have the opportunity to dispose of the pending cases.

Asked if any former Justice has applied for clemency, the Tac chairman replied in the negative.

About application by relatives of any former Justice, he said two relatives of a Justice might have applied to the ACC for referring their cases to Tac.

Though no names were named during the briefing, there have been reports that former Law Adviser Justice Fazlul Haque, his son and son-in-law applied for clemency.