The Council of Advisers yesterday approved the Voluntarily Disclosure of Information (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 by bringing a few changes in the provisional law that provides for the formation a Truth and Accountability Commission.

Earlier on May 25, the council gave final approval to the ordinance. The commission will be formed for exoneration of deserving ones of the high-profile corruption suspects booked as part of the drive launched by the caretaker government.

Following a change to a subclause of the ordinance, now a retired military official with the rank not below major general from the Defence (Armed) Forces would be qualified for becoming candidate for member of the Truth and Accountability Commission.

Earlier, it was mentioned that only a retired military official not below major general rank from Bangladesh Army could become member of the commission.

Under the Voluntarily Disclosure of Information Ordinance 2008, a 3-member Truth and Accountability Commission will be formed with five-month tenure for showing compassion to those who will voluntarily disclose their ill-gotten money and wealth.

Under provision of the ordinance, a retired chief justice, retired justice of the appellate division, secretary of the government or one equivalent to that status and noted citizen, who has made "meaningful contribution to his profession or business or services" would be eligible for becoming member of the Truth and Accountability Commission.

The president will appoint chairman of the commission from among the three members of the commission.

The Council of Advisers in its meeting with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair also extended by six months to December 31 the time for attaining specific educational eligibility by unqualified teachers of registered non-government primary schools through appearing at competence test. The time extension was necessitated as holding the competence test was not possible due to High Court order of stay.

It also finally approved Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (Amended) Ordinance 2008 to abolish Desa by transferring its authority and operations to the newly created Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC).

The council also discussed elaborately a proposal on providing environmental clearance certificate to industries, mills and factories that have been set up on private or government-owned land within the boundary of the National Garden ofVawal area of Gazipur district. The meeting asked the ministry concerned to place it more specifically before the council again as soon as possible.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the outcome of the meeting, attended by members of the Advisory Council.