Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen on Sunday said contestants in the upcoming election must declare their foreign assets along with domestic ones while submitting election affidavits.
He made the remarks while respsonding to a question from reporters after laying the foundation stone of the ACC’s Sylhet Divisional Office.
“We are asking for full asset declarations. If someone hides their foreign assets, that is unfair. If anyone has ill-gotten wealth, it also falls under our jurisdiction,” the ACC chief said.
Citing institutional constraints, he referred to the example of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s agricultural land declaration in 2008.
“She had declared 5.2 acres. But our investigation found 29 acres. Technically, the nomination should have been cancelled but it was not. Although the ACC uncovered it, we could not ensure implementation,” he said.
Dr. Momen added, “Party identity is not the main factor—honesty is. If individuals facing ACC cases are accepted as candidates, the consequences will be similar to the past.”
He also urged the media to play a proactive role in examining affidavits. “Candidates must disclose domestic and foreign income in their affidavits. If anyone conceals information, the media should bring it to the people,” he said.
“The ACC is not a judicial body. Our responsibility is to submit evidence and case data before the court. The court delivers the verdict.”