While talking to the newsmen yesterday at his Gulshan residence, Saifur said Prime Minister Khaleda Zia may announce formation of the commission at the inaugural ceremony of the Bangladesh Development Forum (BDF) today.

Referring to The Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2004,he said that a selection committee, yet to be formed, will work towards naming the chairman and members of the commission.

The law also states that the immediate past cabinet secretary would be one of the members of the selection committee.

Saifur said the government could not yet form the selection committee as Dr Akbar Ali Khan, immediate past cabinet secretary, is outside the country on an official assignment. He is expected to be back home today to attend the BDF meeting. The selection committee would be formed within two days.

Replying to a query about ombudsman, Saifur said the government has decided to appoint a tax ombudsman. The next budget will have provision for the new post.

"We have decided to appoint tax ombudsman to protect tax payers from harassment," said Saifur.

On separation of the judiciary from the executive, the minister said, "We have already progressed a lot in this regard. We hope to execute the separation shortly."