Anti-Corruption Chiefs Resign to Meet Government Expectations

In a significant administrative shift following the recent general elections, the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen, has formally tendered his resignation. Addressing members of the press on Tuesday, Dr Momen clarified that his departure—along with that of two senior commissioners—was not the result of external coercion or political pressure, but rather a principled decision to allow the newly elected government to fulfil its mandate.

The collective resignation marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s primary graft watchdog. Joining Dr Momen in stepping down were Commissioners Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Brigadier General (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid. The trio submitted their official resignation letters to the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat earlier today.

A Transition for “Greater Competence”

Dr Momen, who assumed the role of ACC Chairman on 10 December 2024, noted that his resignation comes just 14 days after the elected government took office. “There is no singular, hidden reason behind this move,” he remarked. “Every new administration carries specific expectations from the public. We felt that the government should have the opportunity to appoint a commission they deem more capable of meeting those aspirations.”

He further expressed his belief that this transition would ultimately benefit both the institution and the state. When questioned by journalists regarding the perceived “toothlessness” of the ACC during his short tenure, Dr Momen remained diplomatic. “Whether we possessed the necessary ‘claws and teeth’ to fight corruption is for you, the public and the media, to judge. We simply endeavoured to perform our duties faithfully during our time in office.”

Timeline of the Outgoing Commission

The outgoing leadership had relatively brief tenures, having been appointed during a period of significant political transition. Below is a summary of their appointments:

The Road Ahead for the ACC

Dr Momen’s professional trajectory before leading the ACC included a high-profile stint as the Secretary of the Public Security Division under the interim government. His appointment to a five-year term was initially seen as a move to stabilise the commission. However, his early exit underscores the rapid pace of change in the current political landscape.

As the government prepares to nominate a new leadership team, the focus returns to whether the next commission will be granted the functional autonomy required to tackle high-level corruption effectively. For now, the ACC stands at a crossroads, awaiting a fresh directive from the newly established administration.