Dhaka, 26 May 2024:In light of recent exposure of high-level abuses of power, corruption, and political criminalization —including the killing of a ruling party MP, punitive visa sanction of US against a former army chief, and the court order to seize bank accounts and assets of a retired RAB and police chief —the need to demonstrate the credibility of government's zero-tolerance stance against corruption has become unprecedentedly important, stated Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
In a statement referring to the corruption allegations against the former army chief, the police and RAB chief, and the killing of the MP, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “If the government and the ruling party only offer evasive explanations out of embarrassment, it will not only be unacceptable to the people but also be suicidal for the government. The citizens of this country are already valid realizing that the three highly publicized incidents are not isolated; they are symptomatic of deep-seated institutionalized corruption and represent just a tip of the iceberg. It is also clear that the responsibility for these crimes extend beyond those directly involved. Therefore, unless together with the direct perpetrators, those who aid, abet, benefit from, and protect them are held accountable, the government's election promises will be deemed as empty rhetoric, and corruption and wrongdoing will continue to proliferate further. Therefore, we urge to hold the high-level power abuse accountable by following due process and to release a whitepaper on corruption”
He further said, “The unaccountable actions of former heads of significant state forces such as the Army, RAB, and the Police, along with a lawmaker, have instilled doubts and concerns about the government, the state system, and the governance structure in the public's mind. These concerns need to be credibly addressed through exemplary accountability. Furthermore, the promptness exhibited by relevant institutions, including the ACC, should not be eventually diminished to mere formalities and eyewash.”
A detailed reflection of the ruling party's successive political declarations and pledges against corruption is evident in their election manifesto for the 12th National Parliamentary Election. This year's manifesto includes a chapter-long commitment with six sections dedicated to ensuring accountable governance and more than a dozen specific commitments aimed at preventing and controlling corruption. However, there is no strategy or roadmap for implementing these grand promises. Given this reality and the emerging situation, if the government and the ruling party want to demonstrate the minimum credibility of their promises, they must disclose the existing nature of high level power abuse, which is fundamental element to all three cases, and publish a whitepaper on corruption across institutions and sectors. Additionally, consistent with the ruling party's election manifesto, TIB calls for the establishment of short, medium, and long-term strategies and road-map to ensure good governance and prevent corruption.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
