Press Release
Dhaka, 08 December 2024: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged all stakeholders to advance the anti-corruption social movement by engaging the youth. The call was made during a human chain marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 at Manik Mia Avenue (in front of the National Parliament) at 11:00 am today. The human chain highlighted that the youth will lead the way in building the "New Bangladesh" — a country achieved through unprecedented sacrifice — towards a corruption-free, well-governed, and accountable future.
Speaking at the human chain, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, said, “The young generation is the driving force behind the goal of a ‘New Bangladesh.’ As part of the state reform and new political agreement, born from unprecedented sacrifice, the social movement to prevent corruption must be strengthened. The key expectation of students and citizens from the government, political parties, and other stakeholders is the creation of a state structure and environment conducive to a transparent, accountable, corruption-free, and discrimination-free ‘New Bangladesh.’ To achieve this, eradicating corruption is essential. We hope that, alongside the ACC, reforms in other key institutions will establish an infrastructure that prevents future elected governments from creating an environment conducive to corruption through political or bureaucratic influence. The responsibility of advancing the movement against corruption depends primarily on political leadership and the bureaucracy.”
Stating that the fallen authoritarian govt. created a culture of impunity by institutionalizing corruption, Dr. Zaman said, “Over the last 15 years, the power of the ACC has been severely curtailed and taken over by the ruling party through political and bureaucratic influence. It is important to remember that even if the ACC is fully reformed, the anti-corruption initiative will remain ineffective unless the prevailing culture of political and bureaucratic corruption is changed.”
This year, TIB marked International Anti-Corruption Day under the theme "New Bangladesh – The Invincible Youth will Stop Corruption." TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, along with TIB members, staff, YES Group members, and students from various Dhaka educational institutions, participated in the human chain in Dhaka. Additionally, members of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and local YES Groups, along with people from various walks of life, will observe IACD tomorrow across 45 regions of the country through various activities.
In alignment with IACD theme, a concept paper outlining 14 key recommendations was presented at the human chain. The paper proposed strengthening the accountability of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and implementing reforms suggested by the ACC Reform Commission. It emphasized enabling the public, media, and NGOs to combat corruption by simplifying registration processes and eliminating administrative harassment. The recommendations included forming a separate judiciary secretariat to prevent political interference in judicial processes and taking decisive action to end impunity for corruption, particularly at higher levels. Ensuring transparency in government procurement through mandatory use of the e-GP system was stressed, alongside drafting a “Conflict of Interest Law” to tackle nepotism and irregularities in government functions. The paper also underscored the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and preventing surveillance-driven fear and insecurity as critical steps toward systemic reform.
Additionally, as part of International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 celebrations, TIB marked the 25th anniversary of the Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Awards with a gathering of award-winning journalists on December 5. Besides, this year’s IJA awardees were announced, and select journalists were honored with the “Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Fellowship.” TIB also organized its annual anti-corruption cartoon competition, engaging students nationwide. Also, a two-week exhibition showcasing the top 60 entries will open tomorrow at TIB's head office.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
