Newly appointed Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission Md Saidur Rahman Khan on Sunday said corruption must be "sent into exile" to ensure sustainable development, while pledging to restore public confidence in the anti-graft body through integrity, professionalism and dedication.
"The ACC has long faced criticism and suffered from a negative image. We want to change that perception. By overcoming the image crisis, we will work with honesty, professionalism and commitment to make the institution more people-friendly and a trusted public body," he told journalists after assuming office.
He made the remarks during a media briefing at the ACC headquarters around 3:30pm.
ACC Director General Mir Md Zainul Abedin Shibly, Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam and Assistant Director Tanzir Ahmed were also present.
Saidur Rahman said preventing corruption is one of the most important prerequisites for ensuring good governance and that the ACC must become a capable, impartial and citizen-oriented institution to play an effective role against corruption.
He said initiatives would be undertaken to ensure that people receive effective services from the ACC and that state resources are properly protected and utilised.
The newly appointed secretary said his immediate priority would be to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Commission's activities.
He said discussions would be held with officials and employees and, if necessary, a priority-based "crash programme" would be launched. He also said recommendations on institutional reforms would be reviewed and feasible measures implemented without delay.
Regarding the formation of a new Commission, Saidur Rahman said the search committee had almost completed its work and that the Commission would be finalised once the government's required procedures were completed.
He expressed hope that a full Commission would assume office very soon.
Responding to allegations that the ACC operates under the influence of the government or the ruling party, he said the Commission is an independent constitutional institution.
"The ACC will function in accordance with the law and in the interest of the people, not for any individual, government or political party," he said.
He acknowledged that people may have different assessments of the Commission's past performance, but said the new leadership's objective is to transform the ACC into an impartial, professional and credible institution.
"We have been saying from the outset that we are committed to bringing about a positive transformation in the ACC. That change will be visible, and people will see it," he added.