Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday informed Parliament that the government is preparing to form a search committee that will recommend candidates for the reconstitution of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), expressing confidence that the process will lead to the establishment of a stronger and more effective anti-graft body.
Speaking during discussions on cut motions related to the supplementary budget allocation for the ACC in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the minister said the government remains committed to strengthening the country's anti-corruption framework. He rejected suggestions that the administration lacked sincerity in addressing institutional reforms, emphasizing that preparations for the search committee are already underway.
According to the minister, the process received a significant boost after the Chief Justice submitted the name of his representative for the committee on Sunday. With that requirement fulfilled, the formation of the search committee can now proceed.
Salahuddin Ahmed told lawmakers that the future commission would be restructured through a transparent process involving the appointment of a chairman and commissioners based on recommendations from the search committee. He said the objective is to build a more capable institution that can effectively combat corruption.
The minister also explained that although an ACC-related ordinance introduced during the interim government was not ratified by the current Parliament, the previously existing law has come back into effect. That legislation still contains provisions allowing the formation of a search committee.
He further noted that the current arrangement is temporary and that the government intends to establish an even more powerful Anti-Corruption Commission once the proposed ACC Bill is enacted by Parliament. According to him, the forthcoming legislation is expected to provide a stronger legal foundation for the commission and enhance its effectiveness in tackling corruption.
