Truth commission for Bangladesh

The interim government in Bangladesh has approved plans for a Truth and Accountability Commission.

It aims to let people disclose details of corrupt deals and ill-gotten wealth.

A government spokesman said people who appear before the commission to give details of fraudulent deals would not be tried for their crimes.

But those who admit to their guilt will be barred from contesting any elections for five years. Many well known Bangladeshis face corruption charges.

They include more than 150 political figures, including two former prime ministers.

The charges are part of the military-backed government's campaign against corruption.