The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission has so far put forward 283 names to the Truth and Accountability Commission (Tac) for considering their clemency applications in return for ill-gotten wealth.

"Some 283 individuals have so far applied for referring their applications to Tac and we've sent those in due time," ACC director general (special inquiry and investigation) M Shajahan told its regular briefing yesterday.

"There is no application pending with the Commission at the moment," he added.

Replying to a question, Shajahan said the latest list of applicants was sent to Tac Sunday. He, however, would not say how many corrupt individuals were on the latest list.

Responding to a query, he said if the deadline for filing clemency applications is extended by Tac, the ACC would refer any application filed within that time.

Asked about a report run by a daily that the ACC's target to get a certain number of individuals convicted by December, the director general said, "The Commission has no such target. There is no fixed target. Our job is to inquire and investigate. We'll work wherein there is corruption."

Replying to a question about returning clemency applications to the ACC by Tac, he said, "I'm not aware of such information."

About Mahmudur Rahman's complaint against ACC chairman that was sent to the Cabinet Division, Shajahan said, "I'm not able to say anything about it now."

He revealed that the Commission has approved the filing of two graft cases and submission of charge sheets in two cases.

A case will be filed against BNP leader and former Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BTRC) chairman Taimur Alam Khandaker for amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 2.07 crore.

The Commission will file a case against Awami League presidium member Kazi Zafar Ullah's son Raihan Zafar for illegally earning wealth worth Tk 88.87 lakh and concealment of information of assets worth Tk 44 lakh.

Besides, charge sheets in two graft cases will be submitted against four individuals on charges of taking bribe and misappropriation of money.