The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman Iqbal Mahmood has asked its officials to closely monitor government’s rice procurement programme across the country following allegations of corruption.
The Commission chief gave the direction on Sunday after the ACC’s intelligence unit presented a special report to him in this regard.
Earlier, in a statement the government announced its plan that it will procure some 1.15 million metric tonnes of rice (boiled and non-boiled) and 8,000 metric tonnes of paddy during the current Boro season.
According to the intelligence report, some of the government officials and employees involved in the “rice-paddy procurement programme" along with some other influential people in different areas of the country are accused of being engaged in immoral activities such as bribery and corruption.
Apart from the intelligence report, the commission has also received some such allegations through virtual platforms.
Mr Mahmood also directed its field-level officials to take legal action against the government officials and others who are involved with any kind of bribery and graft in procurement of paddy and rice.
Asking the ACC officials, he further said if anyone receives such allegations, they should immediately form a special team and visit the spot.
“If necessary, take legal action and conduct immediate drives. This is your legal responsibility”, he added.
