The committee could not work on the fresh list due to lack of manpower, he said.

The same day Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Lt Gen (retired) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury told reporters that the commission is working to amend the newly formulated ACC rules to smooth its function and deal with the graft cases more effectively.

He however declined to elaborate on it saying 'it is a matter of secret'.

He said they will soon submit the proposals for amendment to the government. Besides, a proposed organogram accommodating 1,265 staffers will be sent to the ministry concerned on Thursday, added the ACC boss.

Coming out of a meeting with the anti-graft body, Maj Gen Masud Uddin said, "The manpower of the ACC will be increased while some have already been drafted in from the police department."

According to the proposed amendments, complainant of a graft case and its investigation officer would be the same person [ACC official] whereas the existing rules provide for two separate officials to be entrusted with the tasks, said sources.

The deadline for an investigation would also be extended in the amended ACC rules. As per the current rules, an investigation is to be completed within 15 days and on failure the time could be extended by 15 more days. But the ACC now seeks a 45-day time frame as the existing length of probe time causes problems.

The amendment might also introduce indemnity for the officers investigating graft charges. If passed, it would mean the officers won't have to face any action for flaws [in a case] resulted from unintended mistakes. Presently, there is a provision of disciplinary actions against the officers involved in investigation.

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) formed to combat crime and corruption yesterday met to discuss progress of the graft cases and different legal issues.

The meeting focused on legal aspects of corruption case, charge sheet and investigation. Lawyers moving the cases filed by the ACC were also present.

Later in the evening, Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein met the ACC chairman at the latter's office. He declined to make any comment regarding the issues discussed at the meeting.

"The lawyers were advised to deal with the cases at the special tribunals more effectively. The commission too is working to have its rules amended to that end," said Masud Uddin Chowdhury, also general officer commanding of the nine infantry division.

"How a corruption case will be handled, charge sheet submitted and investigation carried out was discussed at the meeting with the law adviser," said ACC Commissioner Habibur Rahman.

The government officially finalised the ACC rules on March 29, about two and a half years since founding of the anti-graft body.