TIB calls for visible anti-corruption measures to meet govt pledges

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that the government cannot meet its commitments unless corruption is effectively and visibly prevented.

The call was made during a press conference titled “Implementation of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Commitments of the BNP-led Government: Strategic Priorities Recommended by TIB” held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office on Thursday.

TIB urged the creation of a unified strategy and roadmap to implement government commitments outlined in the BNP’s 31-point State Reform Outline, electoral manifesto, and July Charter. The organisation also recommended adopting a Code of Conduct for elected representatives at all levels, following international best practices and stakeholder consultation, and taking measures to prevent anti-government forces within BNP from gaining influence.

Present at the press conference were TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Adviser-Executive Management Professor Dr Sumaiya Khair, Director of the Outreach and Communication Division Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Director of the Research and Policy Division Muhammad Badiuzzaman, and Research Associate Kazi Aminul Hasan. TIB’s Senior Research Fellow Md Julkarnayeen presented the recommendations.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman stressed the urgency of fulfilling the government’s anti-corruption pledges. He said a consolidated strategy must be developed based on the BNP’s State Reform Outline, electoral manifesto, and July Charter, incorporating good governance and anti-corruption measures into all work plans.

He highlighted the need to implement the ACC Reform Commission recommendations, amend gaps in the Anti-Corruption Commission Amendment Ordinance 2025, and ensure ACC independence and accountability.

He also called for transparency in public service, including mandatory disclosure of income, expenditure, and assets by elected representatives and government employees, strict measures against misuse of constitutional and legal authority, and the appointment of a conflict-free and competent Governor of Bangladesh Bank.

TIB further proposed granting the Leader of the Opposition the authority to nominate opposition representatives to the ACC selection committee, forming a review committee and an independent Integrity Unit to address internal corruption within the ACC, and introducing end-to-end automation in complaint management and case processes.

The organisation also recommended enacting laws against private sector bribery and corruption, strengthening institutions like BFIU, NBR, and Bangladesh Bank to curb money laundering, and implementing beneficial ownership transparency.

On rule of law and human rights, TIB called for ensuring judicial independence, reforming intelligence agencies, enacting a new Police Commission Act, and addressing attacks on minorities and marginalised communities.

The organisation also advocated amending gaps in the Cyber Protection Ordinance and Personal Data Protection Ordinance to meet international standards, promoting transparency on interim government ordinances, preventing conflicts of interest, and ending partisanship in appointments to constitutional and statutory bodies.

TIB emphasised the need for merit-based appointments and promotions across all government institutions, ending political influence in professional organisations, and promoting a corruption-free, equitable development strategy. It further recommended protecting diversity through a dedicated Diversity Commission, controlling syndicates in essential commodities, reforming banking oversight, and gradually increasing renewable energy use while avoiding environmentally harmful projects.

The organisation stressed that only through visible, effective anti-corruption measures and good governance strategies can the government meet its promises and strengthen public trust.