ACC Asks for Details on Dual Citizenship of Government Workers

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has requested information from several agencies regarding government employees who may hold dual citizenship.

Md. Akhtar Hossain, the Director General of the ACC’s Prevention Division, confirmed this action during a press briefing yesterday. The commission has reached out to the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, and the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for assistance.

In its letters, the ACC highlighted that it has recently noticed that some corrupt government employees have secretly obtained and are using foreign passports. These individuals are reportedly using these passports to evade punishment or legal action as part of ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The ACC believes these employees are attempting to shield themselves from legal consequences and conceal their wrongdoings.

Additionally, the ACC pointed out that holding both Bangladeshi and foreign citizenship is a violation of Section 40 of the Public Service Act, 2018. Investigations have revealed that many of these employees use multiple passports to hide illicitly obtained assets and smuggle them abroad. The ACC has expressed concern that such activities contribute to corruption and harm the nation’s economy. Furthermore, after acquiring foreign citizenship, some employees show a lack of commitment to their duties and responsibilities in Bangladesh, which the ACC considers unacceptable.