NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam on Tuesday questioned the professionalism, competence and neutrality of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), alleging that it had accepted politically motivated claims against NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain as a formal complaint.
In a statement issued at night, Nahid claimed that allegations circulated seven months ago by what he described as an Awami League “propaganda cell” had been taken up by the anti-graft watchdog, strengthening the case for fundamental reform of the commission.
Nahid alleged that the move indicated an attempt to use the ACC as a political tool to discredit senior leaders of the mass uprising.
He compared the development with what he described as the harassment of opposition politicians, including former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, during the previous Awami League government.
Nahid said demands for fundamental reform of the ACC had emerged after the July Uprising alongside calls to reform other state institutions.
He said political parties had reached consensus through the July Charter on establishing an independent, neutral and effective Anti-Corruption Commission.
However, he alleged that the government had bypassed the process outlined in the July Charter and violated the constitution in appointing what he called a controversial person as ACC chairman.
Nahid claimed that the purpose of appointing the commission without reconstituting it in line with the July Charter was becoming increasingly clear.
He alleged that the ACC was being pushed back towards what he described as its previous role as a political weapon to harass and suppress opposition forces.
Nahid said the NCP was prepared to face any allegation and fully cooperate with a fair and impartial investigation if an independent and neutral ACC was reconstituted following the process set out in the July Charter.
However, he said the party would not accept the use of what he described as a politicised commission formed through an unconstitutional process to suppress political opponents.
Nahid demanded an immediate end to what he termed “conspiratorial and politically motivated harassment”.
He also called for the ACC to be reconstituted as an independent, autonomous, neutral and effective institution in line with the spirit and reform process outlined in the July Charter.
