Anti Corruption Commi-ssion (ACC) announced that it will conduct serious investigations into any allegations of nomination trading in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections if specific complaints of illegal financial transactions are received.
ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain made the statement while responding to questions from journalists at a regular press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Segunbagicha on Monday.
He said the ACC operates on the basis of concrete allegations and evidence and the same legal standard will be applied in cases involving nomination trading. "If any specific allegations of illegal transactions in the name of selling nominations are received by any political party or candidate, the commission will investigate it," Akhter Hossain said.
Clarifying the institutional position of the commission, he added that serious offences such as nomination trading fall within the jurisdiction of the ACC and will be dealt with according to law. "The ACC usually works on the basis of specific allegations and the same policy will be followed in the case of serious crimes like nomination trading," he said.
The ACC Director General further said that the relevant committee of the commission will review any complaints received in this regard and that legal action will be taken on the basis of verified information and evidence. He also emphasized that the commission remains vigilant to ensure a transparent, accountable and corruption free election environment amid the prevailing political context.
As the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers approaches under the election schedule, political parties are in the process of finalizing their candidates. During this phase, allegations of financial transactions linked to nominations have surfaced in various quarters, raising concerns about violations of the electoral code of conduct and the Anti Corruption Act.
