Press Release
Dhaka, 18 February 2025: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced deep concern over the government’s attempt to appoint Amin Al Parvez— a government official accused in a corruption case related to land acquisition in Cox’s Bazar— as a director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In a press release issued today, TIB stated that the move raises legitimate concerns about whether the government is attempting to shield corruption and render the ACC ineffective.
According to media reports, a case was filed against Amin Al Parvez in 2020 for embezzling 22 crore 21 lakh 28 thousand and 836 taka from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) building construction and land acquisition project in Cox’s Bazar. At the time, he was serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) in the Cox’s Bazar District Administration. An ACC report later revealed that Amin Al Parvez had unlawfully benefited himself and others through fraud and abuse of power.
Terming the attempt of the govt. to appoint such an official unacceptable, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The most pressing question is: On what grounds was an officer accused of corruption appointed to the ACC on deputation? This decision comes at a time when the ACC Reform Commission has explicitly recommended identifying corrupt officers and employees within the ACC, dismissing them through departmental measures, and prosecuting them. Appointing an official facing corruption allegations—directly contradicting this recommendation—raises serious concerns. What message does this send? Given the current circumstances, it’s not unreasonable to believe that, rather than strengthening the ACC in the fight against corruption, efforts are being made to render it ineffective from within the government. In reality, this suggests a conspiracy within the administration to protect corruption. The government’s decision to appoint an accused officer to the ACC is not only unacceptable but also deeply alarming.”
The media reported that the appointment of the accused officer has been canceled. In this regard, Dr Zaman said, “We want to commend the ACC's decision to cancel the appointment of the accused officer. However, we urge the commission to treat this incident as a lesson and remain vigilant in all future appointments and promotions, particularly those made on deputation, ensuring that it remains free from undue influence. At the same time, the government—especially the bureaucracy—must refrain from undermining ACC reformation goals through such untoward actions. It is crucial to remember that the interim government’s duty is to set a precedent for accountability, not to tarnish its own credibility by shielding corruption or rewarding those implicated in it. Otherwise, how is this any different from the kleptocracy seen under authoritarian rule?”
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
