ACC must conduct investigation free of any influence: Golam Rahman

Online Desk

Former chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Golam Rahman said the ACC must have to conduct proper investigation over the allegation of corruption rose against ex-IG of Police Benazir Ahmed and it has to be conducted free of any undue influence.

He said this to The Daily Kaler Kantho on Monday.

Golam Rahman said, “The newspaper or media play an important role in preventing corruption. In ACC, we also conducted investigation based on the reports published on various newspapers. In my tenure at ACC, investigations were done over the corruption of some business entities like Hallmark, Unipay2U, and Destiny and those efforts of investigation were taken based on the reports published on newspapers.”

ACC formed a three-member committee on Monday to investigate the allegations against former IGP Benazir Ahmed after the investigative report was published in The Daily Kaler Kantho regarding his alleged corruption and acquisition of unusual wealth. When asked about what the ACC should do in this case, the former ACC chairman said, "All investigations should be conducted lawfully. It is important to look beyond influence and impartiality.

The truth will come out if it is investigated lawfully and impartially.”

He said, "Before the investigation, it cannot be said that he (former IGP Benazir Ahmed) has committed corruption. However, if corruption is found in the investigation, it can be said that he has committed corruption. It is not right to call someone corrupt until the corruption is proven. There are several methods of proving corruption. ACC will look at the matter impartially within the legal process— this is the expectation of the countrymen.”

As ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed is an influential person, whether this will disrupt the investigation process— in reply to such a question Golam Rahman said "Law is equal for all. No matter how influential he is, the ACC's job will be to investigate without grudges in order to find out the real truth.”

When asked whether there is any advice from him to the ACC officials in this regard, he said, "I expect that the ACC officials will investigate according to their prescribed law. A complaint has been made; it does not mean that he has done wrong. It is clear that the ACC will investigate the matter in accordance with the law without any grudges.”