The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chief said it is still possible for them to arrest civil servants even though a new law bars immediate arrest in some criminal cases.
“We won’t face any problem,” ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood said on Thursday, speaking to reporters about the new law.
Parliament passed the law, the Civil Service Act, on Wednesday, making it compulsory for all agencies to take the employers’ permission before arresting public servants on criminal charges related to their duties.
Critics say the law will hamper the national antigraft agency’s work, according to bdnews24.com.
“If the investigator thinks the suspect may flee and that it is necessary to arrest him or her, the investigator can do it. There is no problem,” Iqbal said.
The former secretary, however, added that he was yet to see the new law and his comments were based on newspaper reports.
“From what I’ve read in newspaper, this law will be helping us instead of creating problems. No-one can be arrested for criminal offences committed while doing government duty – but is taking bribes a part of government duty? Then where is the problem (in arresting government employees on bribery charges)?” he asked.
Iqbal says he sees nothing for the corrupt people to be happy about the new law.
“It won’t encourage bribery or irregularities,” he said.
He also said the ACC drives to trap and arrest suspects will continue.
“There will be no problem for the ACC to arrest someone who takes bribe,” Iqbal said.