**6. Limitations of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh**

Despite the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) best efforts, corruption remains a problem in Bangladesh. ACC's investigations frequently get off to a good start but then head down the wrong path. The ACC has received numerous reports of corruption by public and commercial sector officials, but no adequate action has been taken to address these allegations. Given the substantial obstacles standing in the way of the Anti-Corruption Commission's efforts to become an effective entity in reducing corruption in Bangladesh.

#### **6.1 Lack of coordination**

As a single entity, ACC is not sufficient. It is an integral aspect of the whole system of government. There are a number of organizations working together to combat corruption, and their efforts are bolstered by open lines of communication and cooperative strategies. There has been no actual cooperation between government agencies.

#### **6.2 Zero-sum game of politics and corruption**

To many people in Bangladesh, politics has become a zero-sum game in which the victor receives complete power and all of the associated benefits. Many people view the government representative business and profit relationship as politically acceptable. Businesses, investors, recruiters, public contractors, land grabbers, extortionists, and the like might potentially run amok with such a massive majority. Low efficiency and purposeful delays in execution may continue to cost Bangladesh several times more than in other nations due to corruption in the planning, design, and budgeting of infrastructure projects, as well as contracting that is driven by conflicts of interest. In a sector where accountability mechanisms are poor, unethical business practices are uncommon, and self-regulation is a rarity, the challenge for ACC is much more daunting now that the kingpins of loan default and banking fraud are well situated in crucial positions.

#### **6.3 Challenges ahead**

For the foreseeable future, the ACC should be ready to face the repercussions of some of the most serious problems posed by a government founded on the basis of astonishing election results, where almost all of the political space has become institutionally monopolized by the ruling party. Lacking practically all traditional institutions of accountability and checks and balances, those in power often use their majorities to enrich themselves personally and financially by seizing control of all facets of government. The misuse of authority has quickly become the norm in today's society, and ACC is failing to go against them regarding inspection and jurisdiction of corruption.

#### **6.4 Managing conflict of interest**

Frequently blurring the lines between public and private matters is a major contributor to corruption in Bangladesh, which is inextricably linked to the country's highly intertwined political and economic systems. Almost no elected or appointed public officials seem to understand the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest. To safeguard and advance the public interest, decision-makers must be held accountable for basing their votes solely on the merits of the issue at hand, rather than on

their allegiance to any particular interest group or special interest. Opportunities for corruption is leading to turf wars between different parts of segments of the power structure and their minions, keeping the ACC busier than ever before but ACC is not doing up to the mark to control this situation.
