ACC has become ‘questionable’ for its mistakes: HC

The High Court today observed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has become questionable due to "few of its mistakes".

The ACC has done a lot of good work, but it has made few mistakes; such as incorrect investigation and wrongful prosecution. Therefore, the whole institution has come under question, the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman said.

The bench made the observation during hearing a writ petition filed by Mohammad Kamrul Islam from Noakhali's Purba Rajarampur, who had been wrongfully prosecuted in a fraud case following incorrect investigation by the ACC, seeking necessary directives for being relieved of the charges.

The HC bench said it expects that ACC's conduct will be fair so that no question can be raised about it.

"If all the commissioners and officials of the ACC disclose details (of their wealth statement), the institution's acceptance will increase," it said.

ACC's lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told the court that he will convey the HC's message to the commission.

He also said the ACC admits its mistake and accepts responsibility for the incorrect investigation in the fraud case and wrongful prosecution of Mohammad Kamrul Islam.

The Anti-Corruption Commission is apologetic and ashamed of the mistake, lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told the HC bench.

Mohammad Kamrul Islam's lawyer Minhazul Haque Chowdhury told the court that the investigation officer of the ACC is solely responsible for the incorrect investigation and prosecution of his client.

He added that the ACC was trying to deflect responsibility to the trial court like it did in case of the innocent jute mill worker Jaha Alam.

He prayed to the HC to direct the ACC to properly compensate his client Mohammad Kamrul Islam.

KAMRUL'S CONVICTION SCRAPPED

After hearing arguments, the HC bench today scrapped the trial court verdict that convicted and sentenced Kamrul to five years imprisonment in the case.

The HC also withdrew the conviction warrant issued against Mohammad Kamrul Islam and directed the ACC to initiate departmental proceedings against the officials, who are responsible for the improper investigation and wrongful prosecution of Kamrul.

The authorities concerned have been directed to conduct further investigation into the fraud case.

The HC bench also directed the ACC to consider if Kamrul seeks any compensation from the commission for his suffering.