Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has welcomed the government’s decision not to take duty-free cars and government plots, calling it timely, thoughtful, and hopeful.
It strongly demanded that all members of parliament and government officials publish their income, expenditure, and asset statements online every year.
In a statement issued today, TIB said the move marks an important step toward ending long-standing authoritarian and discriminatory practices in state governance.
It also urged the government to adopt a coordinated national anti-corruption strategy to ensure lasting impact. It said this strategy should be based on the BNP’s 31-point reform outline, the election manifesto, the July Charter, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Report.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the core goal of the July Uprising and the 13th national election was to build a welfare-oriented Bangladesh that is well governed, accountable, and free from corruption.
“Corruption prevention is the key condition for fulfilling the political, economic, social, and cultural promises made to the people,” he said.
“Even with good intentions at the top, without effective control of corruption, none of these commitments can be properly implemented,” he added.
He warned that without strong anti-corruption measures, risks would grow in development projects and public procurement, including abuse of power, conflict of interest, partisan influence, extortion, land-grabbing, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
Iftekharuzzaman said all elected representatives must disclose their own and their family members’ assets within three months of taking office, and update the information annually, as stated in Clause 74 of the July Charter.
He added that this rule should also apply to all government employees whose salaries are paid by the state.
Calling the rejection of duty-free cars and government plots a first step toward fair governance, he said the decision has raised public expectations for stronger transparency and accountability under the new government.
He also expressed hope that promises made in BNP’s 31-point reform plan and election manifesto to control widespread corruption through legal reforms and accountability would be implemented effectively.
TIB further called for constitutional amendments to prevent misuse of power and urged that political parties, state and non-state institutions, and citizens be actively involved in a national anti-corruption strategy.
