Discussants at a roundtable in Dhaka observed this and suggested formation of a selection committee comprising either former chief justices (CJs) or the judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, chairman of the trustee board of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said as an institution the Bureau of Anti-corruption (Bac) has failed to deliver.

"Bac has no suo moto prosecution power and it cannot take any action against the corrupt persons unless it receives signals from the higher authorities," Prof Murshid said.

The discussion titled "Necessity of an independent anti-corruption commission and the role of Bureau of Anti-corruption" was organised by the Council for National Agenda (CNA).

The TIB chairman also emphasised ensuring accountability of Bac officials, as they themselves face allegations.

Referring to the recent statement of Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman about the corruption report of the TIB on Bangladesh, Prof Murshid said it would be illogical to compare corruption in Bangladesh with other countries.

"Corruption is there in other countries but that does not necessarily mean that it has to be practised in Bangladesh," Prof Murshid added.

Former director general of Bac Shah Abdul Hannan said political will was a must to curb corruption in Bangladesh, as politicians are harbouring corrupt elements.

"Inclusion of a minister on the selection committee of the proposed independent anti-corruption commission will not bring about any qualitative change," the former Bac DG said.

Former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury said political consensus was needed to address corruption.

"An effective bipartisan approach is very much needed to form an independent anti-corruption commission," said Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, member of TIB trustee board.

The salary structure of the officials of the proposed anti-corruption commission should be different, he added.

Speaking as chief guest, former chief adviser to the caretaker government Latifur Rahman said Bac in its present form is ineffective.

"The executive authority of the government cannot work neutrally due to lack of a conducive political culture," the former chief adviser said.

Rahman also said the issue of the proposed commission should be discussed both within and outside parliament and suggestions of the civil society should be considered.

Presided over by Justice Abdur Rouf, the discussion was also addressed by former chairman of the Press Council Justice Habibur Rahman Khan, Justice Sultan Hossain Khan and Chairman of the Sonali Bank Dr Mahbub Ullah.