Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission will no longer need government approval to prosecute judges and public servants under a draft ordinance approved in principle by the advisory council, restoring the body’s long-sought independence.
The draft ACC Ordinance 2025 repeals Section 32 (Ka) of the ACC Act 2004, a 2013 amendment from the Hasina era that required compliance with Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before cases could proceed. The High Court struck the clause down in 2014 but it remained in the law.
“It is commendable if the government decides to repeal section 32 (Ka),” former ACC Director General Moydul Islam told The Daily Star, noting the provision had been ineffective since the court ruling.
The reform follows recommendations of the ACC Reform Commission submitted to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in January. The draft also trims commissioner tenure to four years, requires at least one female commissioner, and expands the selection committee to seven members.
Supporters say removing the approval barrier finally gives the ACC real prosecutorial authority and aligns the law with the 2014 High Court judgment.