Corruption Database (July-December 2003) released
TIB released another Corruption Database for the period of July?December 2003. The report was released through a press conference on 31 August at the National Press Club at Topkhana
Road, Dhaka. With the communications sector topping the graft-list, the report said that the Government lost Tk 225 crore in just 253 out of a total 1,115 corruption incidents. Of the Tk. 225-crore loss, 47 percent was government money, 41.9 percent of private sector, 2.8 percent of non-government organisations and 3.6 percent of donor agencies. Based on a database developed by monitoring 23 dailies of July to December 2003, the report underscored the needs for forming an effective and independent anti-corruption commission, prompt action against corrupt officials and instituting an ombudsman to eradicate corruption. It was also observed that the masses were the worst victims of corruption. The highest amount, or 32.8 percent, of financial corruption was detected in the communications sector, the second highest or 18.8 percent in food sector and the third highest, 16.3 percent, in direct and indirect taxes. In terms of number of corruption incidents, police topped the list accounting for 15.18 percent, followed by local government sector with 12 percent, education sector with 10.4 percent and health and family planning sector with 10.1 percent. Corruption was also found in finance, home affairs (excluding police), and energy and mineral resources sector.
The report was presented by Mr. Abdul Alim, Research Officer, TIB while Prof. Muzaffer Ahmed, Treasurer and Trustee Member of TIB answered media queries. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the newly appointed Executive Director of TIB was also present.
