International Anti-Corruption Day 2023
Press Release
Dhaka, 9 December 2023: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) observed the International Anti-Corruption Day with a series of initiatives at national and local levels today. Themed 'Uniting the World against Corruption,' the event featured the announcement of the national-level Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Awards along with Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition and Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition. Besides, members from the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC), Active Citizens Group (ACG), and Youth Engagement and Support (YES) Group participated in human chains, organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 45 CCC regions, including Dhaka. The day also saw various programmes, such as rallies, discussions and cultural events, held nationwide to raise awareness regarding the fight against corruption.
As part of the national programme, a discussion on 'Media, Freedom of Speech, and Investigative Journalism: Bangladesh Context' took place at TIB's Dhanmondi office today. Zafar Sadiq, Assistant Coordinator of TIB Outreach and Communication Department, presented a paper during the event.
The discussion featured the participation of Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune; Julfikar Ali Manik, Planning Consultant at Baishakhi Television; Shahnaz Munni, Chief News Editor at News24; Md. Badruddoza Babu, investigative journalist and trainer; and Ashish Saikat, Chief News Editor at Independent Television.
TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman presided over the programme, while its Board of Trustees Chairperson Advocate Sultana Kamal graced the event with her presence.
In the event, the participants stated that a culture of fear has been created, denying the right of expression for journalists, human rights activists, and civil society members, posing an obstacle to ensuring democracy. The enactment of various restrictive laws, such as the Digital Security Act and the Cyber Security Act, have led to practicing ‘self-censorship’, and journalists have faced threats and even fatal incidents. Colonial laws continue to be used as tools of oppression, jeopardizing freedom of speech and freedom of thought. The government must create an environment to overcome such a situation, they opined.
The TIB ED, highlighting the prevailing "shoot the messenger" mindset among the powerful quarters in Bangladesh, stated, “Critics are silenced following the stance that they are adversaries. Consequently, the culture of fear is deepening. The impact extends across the media, civil society, and development workers, prompting imposition of self-censorship. Therefore, legitimate concerns arise about the future prospects of a democratic and accountable government.”
“Article 13 of UNCAC emphasizes creating an environment to ensure the participation of everyone in speaking out against corruption or expressing opinions, and the government must foster this environment. The underlying agenda of ‘development first, democracy later’ essentially means never achieving true democracy. To foster people-oriented development, we need democracy, with a specific emphasis on freedom of speech, transparency, and accountability. Only then development can be truly meaningful,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added.
Advocate Sultana Kamal remarked, “Previously, if a news was unfavorable to a political party or leader, journalists faced pressure. However, at present, when a news is unfavorable to traders, bureaucrats, or any other group, instances of journalists being killed take place. Journalists also face increased pressure, especially when exposing corruption.”
“We observe that various oppressive laws, such as the Digital Security Act or the Cyber Security Act, are increasingly wielded against journalists. Our stance against corruption has shifted gradually from zero tolerance to being merely tolerant, and now it is openly tolerated,” she noted.
Following the discussion, the TIB Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Awards 2023 were announced. This year, three journalists and a documentary programme received awards in different categories. Shariful Islam, Chief Reporter of Chittagong-based Ekushey Patrika.com, won in the regional newspaper category. Zahid Hasan Sakil, Savar correspondent of Kaler Kantho newspaper, secured in the national newspaper category. Hasan Misbah, Senior Reporter of Independent Television, won in the television category. The winner in the Television (Documentary) category was Independent Television's programme 'Talaash.' Each awardee received a certificate, crest, and a prize of BDT 125,000.
On the same day, the 18th Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition awards giving ceremony took place, accompanied by inauguration of the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition for two weeks (9-23 December) at TIB’s Dhanmondi Office along with a virtual cartoon gallery. Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg Von Linde, Swiss Embassy Chargé d' Affaires Corinne Henchoz Pignani, British High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Matt Cannell, and USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman were present as the guests of honour. The invited guests lauded TIB for organizing the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition for the 18th consecutive year. Recognizing the effectiveness of cartoons as a powerful tool in the anti-corruption movement, the Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg Von Linde remarked, “By simplifying the complex societal issues, cartoons play a crucial role in raising awareness against corruption. These not only serve as a vital medium of expression, but also have the ability to speak truth to the powerful quarters.”
British Deputy High Commissioner Matt Cannell emphasized, “Cartoons play a crucial role in drawing attention to bribery, irregularities, and corruption; thereby increasing awareness among people. I congratulate these young cartoonists for their commitment to society.”
USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman said, “Combating corruption requires action across all facets of society – from the government, civil society, private sector, media, and most importantly from the citizens themselves. Let us stand united in this endeavor for a corruption-free Bangladesh, and continue working together to build a world where principles of justice, transparency and integrity guide the future.”
This year’s cartoon competition theme was ‘Corruption, Poverty & Injustice’. A total of 229 cartoons were submitted by 109 participants from various educational institutions (school, college, and university). The competition featured two group categories – Group-A (13-18 years) and Group-B (19-25 years). The prize money for each category was as follows: 1st prize - BDT 75,000, 2nd prize – BDT 50,000, and 3rd prize - BDT 40,000. Winners and special mentions in each category received a crest and certificate.
In Group-A, Md. Tahsin Bin Ibrahim, a 16-year-old student of Shantipur High School in Dhaka secured the third position; Estiak Ahmed Toufique, an 18-year-old student of Barishal Cadet College secured the second position; and Mugdho Roy Nibir, an 18-year-old student of University of Development Alternative (UODA) secured the first position. In Group-B, Md. Abdur Rahman Talukder, a 19-year-old of Dhaka Imperial College secured the third position; Debadrita Halder, a 24-year-old student of BUET secured the second position; and Tanvir Malek of Dhaka University secured the first position.
Virtual gallery link: https://www.ti-bangladesh.org/cartoon-competition
Media contact:
Sheikh Manjur-E-Alam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +88024102126770
Email: manjur@ti-bangladesh.org
