ACC not functioning properly

According to the 'State of Governance Report' brought out by Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), the government's anti-graft body ACC does not follow up on over half the graft complaints it receives. Indeed, the rate of pending enquiries is large and it has built up a very big backlog of cases at labour courts. The study points out systemic problems that include archaic methods of investigation, which effectively stymies ACC's ability to conduct probes efficiently. 

When one takes into account that Bangladesh is suffering from graft in various sectors, it is near impossible for a body like the ACC to handle this issue on its own. Experts point out that the job of curbing corruption lies in strengthening other state bodies like the law enforcement agencies to address the sticky issue of graft that may exist in different forms in such institutions too.

We feel that the lone watchdog body should be empowered by bringing about changes that would allow for it to play the role it was meant to play. Better investigative tools coupled with the right type of manpower are steps in the right direction. How is it that the body completes some cases totally and then dismisses them due to "lack of evidence"? These lapses point to the fundamentals of investigation to be either flawed or not thought out in a manner that would bring about a conviction. If we are serious about tackling graft, we need to rethink the structure of the ACC and fit it with the right tools and people to tackle the issue of corruption.