Dhaka: Newly joined ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan today emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved by eliminating corruption. Speaking to journalists after assuming his role as Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), he highlighted the necessity of preventing corruption to establish good governance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khan expressed his commitment to transforming the ACC into an efficient, effective, and people-oriented institution capable of combating corruption. He stated, “We want to undertake programmes that will enable people to benefit from the ACC’s services while ensuring the proper protection and utilization of state resources.”
Khan outlined his immediate priorities, which include gaining a comprehensive understanding of the commission’s ongoing activities, consulting with officials and employees, and potentially launching priority-based “crash programmes.” He noted that initiatives had already commenced to review various recommendations related to the ACC.
Addressing the Commission’s public image, Khan mentioned that Bangladesh is undergoing a period of transformation and that his joining the ACC is part of this broader process. He acknowledged the criticism and negative image the ACC has faced, and expressed a desire to change this perception, aiming to make the institution more people-friendly and to earn public confidence.
Regarding the formation of a new ACC Commission, Khan indicated that the Search Committee’s work is nearing completion. Once the government concludes the necessary procedures, the new Commission will be formally established, with hopes that a full-fledged Commission will assume office soon.
In response to allegations that the ACC has been influenced by governments or ruling political parties, Khan asserted that the Commission would operate independently, adhering to the Constitution and the law. He emphasized the ACC’s role as an independent constitutional institution, committed to working in the interests of the law and the people, rather than for any individual or government.
Khan further mentioned that efforts to bring about a positive transformation within the ACC had been ongoing from the outset.
Among those present at the event were ACC Director General (Special Investigation) Mir Md. Zainul Abedin Shibly, Deputy Director (Public Relations) Md. Aktarul Islam, and Assistant Director (Public Relations) Md. Tanzir Ahmed.