The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

In the wake of the December 29 parliamentary elections won by Awami League, a spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday said the commission has not yet signaled any change in its policies about prosecuting the cases earlier filed against the MPs-elect under a countrywide purge.

"Till now, the Commission has not given any hint of change in its policies. They have not informed any decision to change its policies," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal told the first regular briefing after the ninth parliamentary elections. He was asked if he is unable to state unequivocally that the inquiry, investigation and cases against individuals would be as before.

Asked if the Commission's initiative to vacate the High Court stay orders on graft cases against AL leader Sheikh Hasina, now premier-in-waiting in a dramatic change of fortune, would continue, he said, "I don't know if there has been yet any discussion about."

Replying to a question about the continuation of activities of about 100 cases filed by ACC against AL MPs-elect, Hanif said that the decision of the cases that have already gone under the jurisdiction of courts would have to come through legal process.

"About the rest of the cases I don't know if there has been any discussion," he said.

Asked if there is any scope for discussion, he said, "That's also the consideration of the Commission. I don't know if the Commission would discuss more."

Hanif, however, said that the Commission is optimistic about an effective relationship with the future government. "The Commission believes the government elected in the people's verdict will be cordial about combating corruption."

Responding to a question about a complaint sent to ACC from the US against Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajib Wajed Joy, he said, "I can't recall if I have seen (such a complaint). At least I didn't see. It has not been raised before the Commission and no discussion took place."

Hanif described as regrettable and motivated the remarks of the Truth and Accountability Commission (Tac) chairman about the ACC activities.

On Wednesday, Tac chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan reportedly said that 50 percent of the ACC inquiries are unclear.