Mashhud says Hasina’s release not unlawful

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday said no unlawful steps were taken in temporarily releasing Awami League President Sheikh Hasina from prison.

He also dismissed news of his resignation as rumours, saying everyone would be informed beforehand should he take such a decision.

The ACC chief was talking to reporters on his first day in office after about a four-week vacation abroad.

He said if it seems to the commission that something illegal had been done while releasing the Awami League president, the watchdog would surely stake its opinions out to the appropriate authorities.

“I think no illegal steps were taken or would be taken. If it’s not so, we’ll surely give our opinion to them. I know for sure that the activities are conducted as per rules and regulations,” Mashhud said, adding that the current anti-corruption drive would not be affected by the release of Hasina.

Referring to the temporary release of Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil, he said, “Certainly that has been done in accordance with law. I don’t think there is any scope for disagreement.”

Hoping that the formation of the Truth Commission would lessen pressure on the ACC, Mashhud said its success, however, would depend on the number of people coming to it.

“Under no circumstances would the Anti-Corruption Commission allow any other agency to impede its activities,” he said.

On reports of his resignation, he said, “You know, there were so many rumours. But, you see, those were not true. There’ll be nothing to hide if there comes any decision like that”.

“The rumours were spread through you (the media). You have been used. There was no need for that”, he said.

Noting that there are still a lot of works to do, Mashhud hoped that he would be able to accomplish his task with the help of everyone.

The ACC chairman left the country on May 19 on vacation. He was scheduled to return home on May 12 and attend office on May 15.

But, owing to his mother’s illness, he came back two days earlier, on May 10.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=41400