Photo: Collected
The interim government is set to launch a major operation targeting corrupt individuals and recovering black money, starting September 1, Home ministry sources said.
This operation will be spearheaded by joint forces, with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) playing a pivotal role by forming a specialized panel for anti-corruption activities.
The planning for this operation is reportedly nearing completion, with task forces being established at both ministry and district levels. Army personnel will lead these task forces, supported by area-based units of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the police. To ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the operation, a shortlist of skilled and honest officers from various forces is being prepared for inclusion in these task forces. The coordinated effort aims to crack down on corruption at all levels, reflecting the interim government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will play a crucial role in ensuring the legal prosecution of corrupt individuals following the task force operations. To facilitate this process, significant organizational changes are expected within the ACC. The current ACC Chairman and Commissioners may be directed to resign soon, clearing the way for new leadership aligned with the anti-corruption initiative.
In preparation for the operation, the ACC has already formed a specialized panel to assist law enforcement agencies during searches and evidence-gathering processes. This panel consists of Deputy Directors Debabrata Mandal, Md. Humayun Kabir, Md. Saiful Islam, and Mohammad Tajul Islam Bhuiyan, along with Assistant Directors Muhammad Zafar Sadek Shibli and Muhammed Shuaib Ibn Alam. The panel was approved by the ACC and will work under the guidance of the ACC Secretary. Their role will involve coordinating legal procedures and ensuring the lawful seizure of assets and evidence during the task force operations.
According to the related sources, there will be multiple offices of joint forces outside Dhaka. Army, civil administration, ACC, police, RAB and BGB members will be responsible for this work. And ACC will take legal action alone. Others will provide all kinds of 'logistics support'. The entire process will be completed as soon as possible.
This time, the interim government is determined to close all loopholes that previously allowed corrupt individuals to evade justice. The upcoming anti-corruption operation is being meticulously planned to ensure thoroughness and effectiveness. Despite the slight delay to ensure full preparation, the task force will launch with comprehensive strategies to prevent any escape routes for those targeted.
The ACC will file all necessary cases against individuals apprehended during the operation, leaving no room for legal manipulation. The aim is to hold every corrupt official and individual accountable through a coordinated effort between the task force and the ACC.
When asked about this, former Inspector General of Police Noor Mohammad told The Daily Messenger, “In the changed situation, there may be an operation by the joint forces. However, action should be taken against terrorists and corrupt people regardless of party affiliation in this operation. So that the message reaches everyone, no one can get away by committing a crime. Then the joint campaign will get public support, there is no doubt about it.”
The interim government has noted that the context in which it assumed power differs significantly from previous transitions. Unlike in the past, where changes of power often occurred through mass movements or uprisings, this time the interim authority is focused on a structured approach, issuing district-wise instructions to ensure stability.
The popular student uprising on August 5 led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government, resulting in her fleeing the country. In the wake of this event, many former ministers, MPs, and pro-Awami League representatives have gone into hiding. However, those unable to leave the country—comprising a significant portion of former ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and business elites connected to the previous regime—remain in hiding within the country.
The interim government is in the final stages of planning an operation to apprehend these individuals.
Messenger/Disha
