TIB: New pay scale must come with annual asset declarations

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has welcomed the cabinet’s approval of a new national pay scale for government employees, while renewing its demand that the benefit be made conditional on annual disclosure of income and assets by employees and their dependants.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said in a statement on Tuesday that the phased, three-stage implementation of the pay scale was “highly reasonable” given financial constraints, and that adequate salaries were necessary for professional excellence and corruption-free service.

However, he said the enhanced pay and allowances should apply only to those who disclose their income, expenditure and assets every year.

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“It must be recognised that many government employees perform their professional duties honestly, remain free from irregularities and corruption, and lead honest lives,” he said, adding that for such employees the new pay scale was “entirely justified and essential.”

He said the same benefits would be “unjustified” for those who acquire wealth through corruption and abuse of power.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman referred to the eighth pay scale, implemented in 2015, saying that while salaries had risen, “the extent and depth of irregularities, corruption and bribery in government institutions escalated even faster.”

TIB said mandatory asset disclosure was a “globally tested approach” to controlling public sector corruption, and warned that without effective accountability mechanisms, corruption could increase further.

The statement also noted a risk that higher salaries and allowances could contribute to inflation and rising commodity prices, disproportionately affecting low-income citizens.

TIB called on the government to consider this risk when implementing the pay scale.