Dhaka: Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Iqbal Mahmood stressed the need for preventing corruption through a united effort to make the economic development sustainable.

‘Bangladesh has attained all criteria to graduate to a developing country, so it is necessary to take strict steps against corruption to make the economic development sustainable,’ he said.

The ACC chief said while briefing reporters about the successes and failures of the organisation as well as its future plan at a programme at his office marking the Corruption Prevention Week 2018 which begins across the country on Monday, reports the UNB.

The theme of this year is ‘If corruption can be stopped, there will be speed in development’. The national anti-graft agency chalked out various programmes marking the week.

 ‘Corrupt people are cunning, sometimes strong and influential too. ACC alone can’t work to bring them to justice. Your participation will help prevent corruption in the country,’ he said.

He said the main purpose of the week is to create awareness among people about graft. ‘I know we have a lot of criticism, but still we have shown that we can do anything. We welcome all criticism from media as they always keep their eyes on the ACC’s activities.’

Iqbal Mahmud formally inaugurated the programme by releasing pigeons, balloons and festoons at its headquarters here around 8:00am.

Commissioners of ACC, Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed and AFM Aminul Islam, its employees and staff were present at the programme.

The ACC Chairman and commissioners Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed and AFM Aminul Islam hoisted the national and ACC flags in the morning.

Besides, the ACC chairman also inaugurated an exhibition on satirical cartoons and posters based on anti-corruption at the media centre of the commission office.

The exhibition will remain open for all from 9:00am to 5:00pm until April 1.

Later, the ACC officials along with its chairman and commissioners placed wreaths at the National Mausoleum in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.