ACC chief urges businessmen not to bribe

FT ONLINE

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmood has urged businessmen not to bribe government officers and employees for quicker public services.

“I request you not to bribe any government official. No bribery or speed money to this end will be tolerated anymore in the days to come,” the corruption watchdog chief told businessmen on Wednesday at a view exchange meeting with leaders of different chambers.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organized the meeting on “Providing corruption-free public service for investment and business friendly environment in Bangladesh” at ACC headquarters at Segunbagicha of Dhaka.

Among others, BIDA Executive Chairman Kazi Aminul Islam, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Director Hasina Nawaz, its Secretary General Faruk Ahmed, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Director Selim Akhter Khan and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) President Moazzem Hossain were present at the meeting.

Iqbal Mahmood asked the businessmen to inform the commission if any government official demands bribe for giving services.

“No government officials will be spared. If they get involved in taking bribes, they must face consequences. Twenty-five government officers and employees were arrested last year over this,” he added.

He assured the businessmen of taking prompt actions if any ACC official tries to harass them.

“The tendency of taking bribe or speed money will be decrease if the government officials follow the guidance of the Secretariat in giving public services,” the ACC chief asserted.