The recent reshuffle in the Anti-Corruption Commission would hamper investigation of many high-profile corruption cases, said officials who have been transferred.
In an order issued on June 1, the ACC transferred 39 assistant and deputy directors to different districts from its headquarters in Dhaka. They have also been asked to join their new workplaces by June 15; they will otherwise be released, the commission said.
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Many of the 39 mid-rank officials are involved in probing high-profile graft cases and the investigations would now be delayed, the officials said, adding that they were transferred in the name of serving at a workplace for at least three years.
They alleged that the rule was not followed for officials who have come from admin and judicial cadres.
Although the commission pointed out that the transfer was nothing but a regular process, the officials alleged that the authorities made the decision as a punishment for forming an association.
An ACC deputy director, preferring to be unnamed, said after the sacking of deputy assistant director Sharif Uddin in February over "violating ACC rules", the officials became united in protests. They also formed Dudak Service Association the same month for their welfare.
"We're preparing for registration with the Department of Social Welfare and awaiting permission from high-ups in this regard. But instead of giving us permission, the authorities transferred the association members."
"All the 39 officials belong to the association," said the deputy director.
In February, the association was formed with 139 members, including first-class and second-class officers, from the headquarters and districts.
At that time, officials said they were having a hard time keeping faith in the high-ups, who came on deputation from admin cadre and have been playing vital roles in decision-making at the commission.
"They have transferred us as a punishment for forming the association," the deputy director added.
Another official, wishing not to be named, said, "The commission's decision will hamper the ongoing probes of the high-profile corruption cases as the new officials will find it difficult to move forward with the investigations."
Contacted, ACC's Secretary Mahbub Hossain rejected the claim and said in a short text, "It's not right."
This correspondent tried to get his explanation over phone, but he did not pick up.
ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Jahurul Haque, however, said transfer was a regular process. "We've recently opened some new offices in some districts. We need experienced officers there."
He added that the transferred officials had been at the same workplace for over three years and they were getting involved in other activities. "They have become disappointed as their interests are hurt."
According to ACC website updated on April 10, 2019, out of 629 deputy, deputy assistant and assistant directors, 431 work in the ACC headquarters, from where major corruption cases, scrutiny, intelligence, hotline service and graft prevention activities are dealt with.
There is a three-member commission comprised of the ACC chairman. The ACC secretary works under the commission, and there are eight director generals under the secretary, according to its organogram.
Of the 12 top posts, 10 are filled by former and current bureaucrats.
According to the ACC service rules, unless any exceptions, an official cannot work in the anti-graft body for over three years on deputation.
Interestingly, documents show some officials, including the director general, the director and deputy director, have been working in the ACC on deputation from admin and judicial cadres for over three years.
"Why and to serve whose interest they've been working here for over three years? Why do we always face discrimination?" said an aggrieved official.
Asked about the bureaucrats who have been working for over three years, ACC Commissioner Jahurul said, "We've begun the process [transfer]. It will gradually be applied to others too."
