Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) would like to consider the prime minister’s disclosure of action taken against a former employee at her residence who accumulated a huge amount of income and wealth, her declaration that ‘far or near, no matter’, and that ‘zero tolerance against corruption will continue as a testimony to her firm commitment against corruption.
At the same time, TIB has urged the government to adopt and enforce a time-bound road map consistent with this “Zero Tolerance” declaration and the ruling party's election manifesto.
Recently, many instances of high-level corruption have come to light where individuals have allegedly amassed huge income and wealth through corruption abusing their entrusted power or leveraging their relationships with those in powerful positions.
In this regard, during a press conference on July 14, in response to media about the government's initiative, the Prime Minister disclosed that she took action against a former employee of her household who had amassed Tk 400 crore.
Mentioning the PM’s disclosure as an indicator of political will, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “The Prime Minister has, in reality, expressed her dismay and discomfort towards the culture of normalization of amassing illegal wealth through abuse of power in the name of being associated with her or by individuals in other high positions in the government”.
Dr. Zaman termed her announcement as timely and promising, especially that action has been taken against the individual; that such bad elements must be removed whether far or near; that taking action against corruption doesn’t tarnish the government’s image; and that zero tolerance against Corruption will continue”.
Stating that the Prime Minister’s declaration to bring the corrupt under accountability is significant for the government and the relevant institutions, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “Failure to bring to justice the individual for amassing Tk 400 crore who according to the Prime Minister is known to travel only by helicopter will be demeaning for the statement made by the head of the government if subject to due investigation by ACC these are found to be inconsistent with legitimate income. The Prime Minister has clearly emphasized the legal and political obligations to ensure exemplary accountability of anyone alleged of corruption. Similarly, in light of recent developments, it is imperative to effectively hold to account key figures in recent public concerns over reported instances of high-level corruption including that of the former army chief, former police and RAB chief, and high-ranking officials from the National Board of Revenue, through efficient and conflict of interest-free investigations.”
Stating that the PM’s statement debunked the often-heard motivated impression that taking action against high-level corruption damages the government’s reputation, Dr Zaman also emphasized, “In this context, we urge the government to adopt specific time-bound road map for the meaningful and effective implementation of the Prime Minister's zero-tolerance pledge and the ruling party's election manifesto. By so doing the government can open the road to address growing public concerns about the enormous depths and breadths of corruption and impunity.”
