The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) has so far granted clemency to 219 individuals.

TAC Chairman Justice Habibur Rahman disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists at his office in the city.

He said a total of 481 applications have so far been submitted to the TAC for clemency. Of them 365 applicants are government servants and 52 are their spouses.

Of the rest 29 businessmen, 33 professionals and 2 are politicians.

The TAC boss said 279 applications have been sent through the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), 167 through the National Co-ordination Committee to Combat Serious Crime and Corruption (NCC), 13 through the Court and 22 individuals have voluntarily come to the TAC for clemency by confessing their ill gotten wealth.

The TAC has already distributed clemency certificates among 170 individuals. Hearings of 327 persons have been completed by the TAC till yesterday and hearings of 5 individuals are in progress.

Meanwhile, the TAC has deposited worth Tk 16.09 crore to the state exchequer by confessing ill gotten wealth of 184 persons. Tk 31.49 crore has been fined by the Commission till yesterday.

Replying to a question, Justice Habibur Rahman said after declaring the Supreme Court order they resumes their work as before. "There is no obstacle in carrying out the activities of the TAC legally, morally, ethically," he said.

He, however, said that they are working with one month's target since they are yet to get judgment from the Supreme Court.

The TAC boss mentioned that after one month everything would be done in accordance with the Supreme Court order.