Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today called on stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach to advance the anti-corruption movement led by the youth, emphasising their role in building a transparent and accountable New Bangladesh.
This call was made during a human chain held at Manik Mia Avenue to mark International Anti-Corruption Day 2024.
More than a hundred individuals, including TIB members, staff, Youth Engagement and Support (YES) group members, and students, participated in the human chain.
Speaking at the event, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “The youth are the driving force behind a corruption-free future. They will lead the charge against corruption. To achieve the vision of a ‘New Bangladesh,’ systemic reforms are crucial to eradicating corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability.”
Criticising the past authoritarian government, he 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.”
He further emphasised that while reforming the ACC is essential, it will remain ineffective unless the prevailing culture of political and bureaucratic corruption is dismantled.
A concept paper presented at the event proposed 14 key reforms, including the establishment of a separate judiciary secretariat to ensure judicial independence, mandatory use of the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system, and the enactment of a “Conflict of Interest Law”to tackle nepotism.
Safeguarding freedom of expression and eliminating surveillance-driven fear were also highlighted.
