The head of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Bangladesh has resigned. Hasan Mashud Chowdhury told reporters Thursday there is a need for what he called "new leadership" to speed the commission's work.
Chowdhury was appointed by an army-backed interim government in February 2007 to oversee a widespread crackdown on graft. Over a two-year period his commission detained and charged dozens of influential business and political leaders, including former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, who has since returned to power. Most of those taken into custody have been released on bail.
Prime Minister Hasina has vowed to continue the crackdown on graft. Bangladesh has been labeled one of the most corrupt countries in the world.