Press Release
Dhaka, 14 December 2023: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) members have raised concerns over the diminishing potential of the parliament to cultivate a transparent, democratic, well-administered, and corruption-free society.
A total of 45 voluntary members associated with TIB gathered today for the Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) at the TIB headquarters. During the meeting, the participants expressed apprehensions regarding institutionalisation of corruption, weakening authority of the Anti-Corruption Commission, repression faced by media professionals and journalists, and prevalent suppression of free speech and expression in the country.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman moderated the meeting, with Professor Dr. Engineer A. K. M Fazlul Haque, an elected representative of the TIB General Assembly, chairing the proceedings.
The members expressed satisfaction with TIB's extensive efforts, praising the exceptional quality of its audit report on financial accounts. Additionally, they commended TIB's noteworthy work in research, advisory roles, and campaigns against corruption. In a declaration, issued after the meeting, the members conveyed their anticipation for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections to be participatory and credible to the public.
However, they expressed disappointment, as the conditions preceding and following the announcement of the election schedule portrayed an election process that might not be participatory. Emphasising the importance of legal and institutional reforms to facilitate fair competition, ensure unrestricted voting rights, and guarantee equal participation, the TIB members stressed the urgency of such measures.
The declaration underscored the institutionalisation of corruption in the public sphere due to lack of integrity and accountability, severely undermining the nation's prestigious socio-economic development. Political influences on relevant institutions have led to a decline in upholding law and order as well as utilising legal and institutional capabilities against corruption, resulting in a widespread prevalence of corrupt practices.
The unregulated occurrences of money laundering and soaring volume of default loans have reached an alarming level, with new records established annually. Besides, lack of resolute actions from political leadership against such incidents and the inaction of relevant institutions signify a prevailing culture of impunity in the country, it noted.
To combat extensive corruption, the TIB members advocated for robust accountability mechanisms for all implicated in corrupt practices, transcending any notions of sympathy, compassion, or fear. Expressing profound disappointment, they highlighted that despite establishment of a specialised taskforce, the Anti-Corruption Commission's authority has been undermined through diverse legal and administrative reforms, impeding its effectiveness in combating corruption.
The members stressed the government's responsibility in ensuring an environment conducive for media personnel, allowing them to perform their dedicated role without hindrance. They observed multiple attempts to curb independent opinions and expressions in the media through various means, including attacks and legal actions.
The rushed approval of the Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 during the election period left them astonished as well. They called for its revisions, considering the existing flaws, and urged involvement of all the stakeholders concerned until its final adoption. Additionally, they suggested revising the minimum wage structure of ready-made garments (RMG) workers in line with the international standards, considering their livelihoods and escalating cost of living.
Concurrently, the TIB members made an earnest appeal to the authorities to leverage the use of e-GP for independent, accountable, unbiased, competitive, and corruption-free procurement procedures. They urged strengthening decision-making process - rooted in informed analysis.
Embracing the ethos of the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War, upholding values of integrity, consciousness, morality, transparency, justice, and accountability, the members urged all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in establishing democracy, good governance, and a corruption-free society. They also emphasised eradication of all forms of oppression and discrimination through sustained discussions.
Media contact:
Sheikh Manjur-E-Alam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +88024102126770
Email: manjur@ti-bangladesh.org
