Section A

Transparency International - Bangladesh Chapter's Mission Statement

Transparency International - Bangladesh Chapter (TIB) is one of the national chapters of Transparency International. TIB's mission is to curb corruption and improve governance in the public and private sector through greater accountability, transparency and participation in order to achieve sustainable development. TIB's activities shall be holistic in approach and have an indigenous perspective emanating from grassroots and community-based organisations. TIB's plans and programmes shall embody the concept of 'pressure group' involving various stakeholders, particularly from within the civil society.

Transparency International

Transparency International' s Mission Statement states that:

"Corruption is one of the greatest challenges of the contemporary world. It undermines good government, fundamentally distorts public policy, leads to the misallocation of resources, harms the private sector and private sector development and particularly hurts the poor. Controlling it is only possible with the co-operation of a wide range of stakeholders in the integrity system, including most importantly the state, civil society, and the private sector…..TI recognises the shared responsibility of actors in all regions for corruption, and its emphasis is on prevention and on reforming systems, not on exposing individual cases; TI considers that the movement against corruption is global and transcends social, political, economic and cultural systems….TI is politically non-partisan; and TI recognises that there are strong practical as well as ethical reasons for containing corruption."

TI intends to achieve its purpose by

• Building "national, regional and global coalitions, embracing the state, civil society and the private sector, in order to fight domestic and international corruption

• Co-ordinates and supports National Chapters to implement TI's mission

• Assists in the design and the implementation of effective integrity systems; and

• Collects, analyses and disseminates information and raises public awareness on the damaging impact of corruption (especially in low-income countries) on human and economic development.

Transparency International began by emphasising the building of a coalition against corruption in international business transactions. Those initially involved in TI observed that frequently businesspersons from developed countries sought to close deals by bribing political officials of developing nations. Incentives to continue this behaviour existed in developed countries, as businesspersons in many nations are allowed to write off these bribes as legitimate tax deductions in their home countries. The charter members of TI recognised that corruption, therefore, can be both systemic and bilateral. In their view, only a truly international organisation with people from many different countries, both developed and developing, could hope to tackle such widespread, systemic problems.

In order to address this kind of fundamental corruption, TI emphasises various strategies, including coalition building with like-minded individuals and groups, working with journalists to call attention to corruption and pressure government to change, and public support of those who are undertaking their jobs without resorting to corruption. For example, TI has developed the concept of 'islands of integrity', in which they draw attention to individuals or businesses who are doing their work without engaging in bribery. With encouragement from TI, these individuals or businesses make a public commitment to continue to work without bribes, or to disclose their actions if they do resort to bribes. This strategy seeks to gain the support of actors on both sides of the equation -- business people from developed countries as well as officials of developing countries with whom they do business -- to agree to maintain the integrity of a corruption-free process.

The State of Affairs in Bangladesh

The corruption survey (Survey on Corruption in Bangladesh, 1997) and the interaction with the public (Corruption as People See it, 1998) have revealed that in spite of the fact that corruption in Bangladesh is endemic, as in many other countries, it can be tackled by the society with requisite political will. Even though corruption in Bangladesh has become a huge systemic problem and very few members of society can avoid it in their everyday activities there are still a considerable number of people with integrity who do not wish to take or pay bribes.

TIB will go about its work in a way that highlights people's shared concerns about corruption, and generate enough public 'voice' and 'pressure' regarding corruption to create an environment conducive to reform. TIB will act as a catalyst for change. TIB sees itself as a broad-based 'pressure group' that raises public awareness by providing accurate information and then keeping public awareness high until those with the power to make changes actually accomplish the necessary reform.

Transparency International - Bangladesh

TIB came into being as a trust in 1996 and has since then been registered as a non-governmental organisation with the NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister Office. Some eighty such national chapters are in existence in various stages of organisational development. In South Asia TI chapters exist in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Since its inception TIB has undertaken an agreed programme which included research and awareness activities. These activities have included:

1. an essay and cartoon competition for school and college students
2. a competition for journalists to encourage investigative journalism
3. publication of newsletters in Bangla and English
4. conducting of a household survey on corruption and a number of workshops and 'focus group' discussions in different parts of Bangladesh with people from various walks of life.

Section B

The Future Activities

TIB decided to undertake an exercise in strategic planning given the existence of the following factors:

1. Given the crises in governance in Bangladesh any sustainable plan of activities has to be seen from a long term perspective as there are no 'short cuts';
2. an agenda embodying future activities has to be set by TIB and other stakeholders rather than be taken as 'given' or put together on an 'ad hoc' basis; and
3. to put forward a credible response in view of the 'window of opportunity', domestically and internationally.

TIB has initially put together an 'Ideas Paper' (Ideas Paper - Input for Strategic Planning, 1998) in order to develop a strategic plan. The 'Ideas Paper' was put together over a period of time through interviews of individuals closely associated with TIB, and the document has been widely circulated for comments. The intention was to put down on paper the emerging thoughts and then to become a source of input for the process of strategic planning. The whole process leading to the present position has gone through various stages.

The stages were:

• Gathering of detailed historical and statistical information on the level and extent of corruption in Bangladesh;

• Public reaction to the published information;

• Private interactions between TIB and various segments of the society;

• Seeking of views from prominent members of the civil society, and

• Guidance from various TI chapters.

The overwhelming realisation that has taken place within TIB, and shared generally with others outside TIB, is that the curbing of corruption in Bangladesh has to be seen as a relatively long-term action plan to improve the state of governance. In order to formulate such a strategy a number of themes have been incorporated in the 'Ideas Paper'.

Themes:

• to develop indigenous ideas at grassroots and community level;

• to build coalitions among like-minded civil society organisations and individuals;

• to encourage and strengthen watchdog organisations in order to exert pressure for better service delivery;

• to engage in participatory research to increase awareness and develop advocacy programmes around specific issues;

• to focus on various levels of administration and that a coalition of forces will have to exert sufficient impact on decision-makers to improve transparency, accountability and participation; and

• to channel their collective effort to bring about improvement in their quality of life through better service delivery.

Holistic approach & Indigenous perspective

There are two overriding themes, which are very important to TIB's future plans and programmes. Firstly, to develop a holistic approach to the curbing of corruption. It is an incontrovertible fact that corruption in Bangladesh is pervasive and endemic. Therefore, in order to tackle such a deep malaise the plans and programmes have to be holistic. In other words, TIB has to initiate changes in different important sectors, including economic, social and political concurrently.

Secondly, in the present world context of increasing globalisation TIB, nevertheless, advocates an indigenous perspective. As it is very succinctly put in the 'Ideas Paper':

"TIB believes that the fight against corruption needs to be primarily from an indigenous perspective in order to be effective. The identification of corrupt practices by organizations outside Bangladesh can easily be dismissed by government and other sectors as biased or inaccurate. Pressure from a group of citizens of Bangladesh working from their own concerns and agenda will have a much more significant impact. TIB therefore desires to continue to formulate its own ideas for its work and to seek out partners and donors who value their independence and are willing to make decisions collaboratively."

The indigenous perspective has to be catalysed into a grassroots and community-based movement. To again cite from the 'Ideas Paper':

"In order to have significant impact on eradicating the widespread systemic corruption that exists throughout Bangladesh, TIB believes it is necessary to promote a groundswell of public support for reform at every level. A grassroots movement, with substantial numbers of common people demanding change, will ultimately be more successful than a top-down approach. TIB believes its greatest impact will come from catalysing and channelling widespread public insistence on reform throughout the country. Substantial and lasting change will be accomplished only if a large number of people from every socio-economic background demand accountability and transparency in the way services are provided."

As part of TIB's effort to formulate a future strategy it organised a workshop on 14^th & 15^th of July 1998 in Dhaka (Workshop on Conscientisation of the Civil Society in Strengthening Integrity). The workshop was a means to identify the main areas of concern for TIB from a range of issues highlighted in the 'Ideas Paper'. All the aforementioned themes and other specific ideas were put to the participants of the workshop.

Workshop on Conscientisation of the Civil Society in Strengthening Integrity

The objective of the workshop was to initiate an interaction between civil society members, media persons, parliamentarians and other TI Chapter, and would lead to the creation of a framework for curbing of corruption in Bangladesh. The four sessions were:

• The Role of the Civil Society in Counter-Corruption Strategy,

• The Role of Parliament in increasing Transparency and Accountability;

• The Role of the Watchdog Agencies and Media in Strengthening Integrity; and

• The Development of a Regional and International Network: The Role of TI-Chapters

The Role of the Civil Society in Counter-Corruption Strategy

Networking and Coalition

The participating civil society re-iterated the central theme of the 'Ideas Paper' that TIB's activities should, as much as possible, develop a network with the active non-government organisation (NGO) and women’s movement of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a diverse and unique NGO component within its civil society focusing on poverty alleviation, rural development, relief and disaster management, gender issues and human rights. TIB would promote awareness building and networking within the private sector as the business community has also become quite vocal within the civil society. As the issue of governance is relevant to most of these civil society organisations TIB could develop coalition on various subject matters in order to tap the enormous wealth of local information.

Enabling Environment

The workshop emphasised the role of the civil society, together with those of parliamentarians, to be an integral part of any enabling environment to curb corruption. TIB also believes that any long-term anti-corruption strategy must have the active participation of the civil society and without such a commitment any meaningful achievement will be elusive. TIB is also of the belief that true civic participation in any democracy can only be achieved when citizens have access to information and issues of immediate impact and interest. The proposal of Advice and Information Centres, development of 'Report Cards' on service delivery and amenities, creation of 'islands of integrity' within local communities, schools, colleges and universities are some specific suggestions. It is TIB's long-term objective that eventually the civil society should be able to take its legitimate position in the public decision-making process.

The Role of Parliament in increasing Transparency and Accountability

Interactive Body Politic

In the second session of the workshop leading parliamentarians, lawyers and journalists were invited to discuss the role of parliament in increasing transparency and accountability. At the very outset of the session it was accepted that lack of transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings negates good governance. TIB considers the role of parliament to be crucial in order to bring about greater accountability and transparency. TIB would, therefore, encourage the formation of 'pressure groups' in the political constituencies over a period of time in order to instigate changes in their own communities by encouraging greater political commitment. The concept of 'pressure group' is not meant to be confrontational but rather constructive in its approach. TIB will also evolve ways of interacting with the parliament with a view to making the opinion of the civil society known to the parliamentarians and promoting multi-tier engagement of the civil society with people's representatives and the administration. This will be a major challenge for TIB.

The session on Parliament and the wide ranging recommendations emanating from it has impressed on TIB the need for a major input into its action plan which would involve the country's parliamentarians. The parliamentarians will inevitably play the most dominant role in improving the state of governance together with other actors such as the executive, judiciary, the civil society and the private sector.

Legitimate Expectancy

It is well established that parliamentarians have a critical role to play in good governance as elected representatives. Parliamentarians are the 'trustees' of public mandate, given periodically, and the legitimate expectation is that the parliamentarians will uphold the national and public interests over other narrow and parochial interests. TIB believes that one of the essential requirements for such a mature political environment to develop is to have a two-way relationship between parliamentarians and an active civil society. The civil society would encompass the professions, media, the non-governmental organisations, private sector and individual men and women. In other words, the definition of civil society in its present context would be noted for its inclusion rather than exclusion. Mutual self respect between parliamentarians and civil society is a sine qua non to ensure transparency, accountability and participation. But the ultimate responsibility is with the parliamentarians to expose and denounce corruption, educate the public, and to ensure that the civil society has the tools to be effective.

It is in this context that TIB has developed a number of plans and programmes to involve parliamentarians at various levels, from community and grassroots level through Committees of Concerned Citizens to parliamentary committees (for example, Public Accounts Committee) (Section 3 below). The leadership and political will has to come from the parliamentarians. TIB believes that it is parliamentarians who can bring corruption under control if they are willing and able to perform the task of supreme watchdog over nation's governance.

The Role of the Watchdog Agencies and Media in Strengthening Integrity

Given the fact that the economic costs of corruption are prohibitively high the effective role of 'watchdog' agencies and public awareness of their existence are two very important aspects that TIB could focus on in developing its plans and programmes. The participants also stated that in Bangladesh the various regulatory bodies have been functioning as 'watchdogs' in a conventional, but non-effective, manner. Some of the reasons for them being ineffective are:

1. vested groups were controlling them;
2. the laws were selectively applied;
3. follow-up actions were not taken; and
4. no evaluation of these 'watchdog' agencies has been done.

The malfunction of these 'watchdog' agencies is compounded by the facts that citizens' are not aware of their rights and they lack information about the bureaucratic procedures, rules and regulations. It is obvious that 'watchdog' is a concept that is either misunderstood or a misnomer in Bangladesh.

Strengthening & Campaigning

TIB believes that it could assist the existing 'watchdog' agencies by strengthening its institutional capabilities by way of linking them with different groups. These groups could be non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business institutions like Chambers of Commerce, government entities like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Election Commission, individual government officials, and professionals including lawyers, journalists, doctors, and educators.

TIB also believes that there is an important role for 'watchdog' bodies in terms of firstly, improvement of ethical standards of the professions, corporate and banking sectors and NGOs. Secondly, the 'watchdog' agencies could become the vehicle for greater participation and transparency. The 'campaigning watchdogs' could push for change. The subject matters for sustained campaigns could be freedom of information, public disclosure of politicians' income and assets, fundraising by political parties and electoral expenses, independent broadcasting agency, setting up of a truly effective Ombudsman structure, among others. Judicial activism would also come within the ambit of 'watchdog'.

Investigative Media

Investigative media has been a central plank in TIB's activities and it will continue to be in the forefront of any future plan. A vigilant press may be inconvenient but nevertheless, it is essential in safeguarding the interests of the majority. TIB would continue with its special relationship with the printed media, and encourage the highest standards in journalism by providing awards, training, sabbatical allowances and information. (Section 3)

The Development of a Regional and International Network: The Role of TI-Chapters

A Learning Process

Representatives of regional TI chapters attending the workshop pointed out that regional and international networking has helped their respective chapters in devising strategies through a learning process. The TI chapters' representatives also pointed out that as various chapters were at different stages of growth networking has helped the organisational development.

Alliances

The workshop participants also stated that in combating corruption the country chapters will have to 'take on the big guys' which means the need for powerful regional and international partners for support. Networking has also helped the chapters to 'borrow' new ideas from other chapters. Moreover, international connections add leverage and strength to the activities of TI chapters.

Secretariat & Source Book

As for developing a regional co-operation in order to develop an anti-corruption strategy the chapters should keep in mind the socio-political scenario and civil-military nexus and devise their respective plans accordingly. The need for networking with non-TI agencies was stressed and compilation of a regional TI Source Book on corruption was stressed. TI-India proposed that a TI-South Asia Secretariat to be established in Bangladesh, and the proposal was unanimously supported by the other chapters.

Section C

In view of the Strategic Planning exercise TIB has identified a priority list of areas of activity to be pursued in order to achieve the mission of curbing corruption in Bangladesh. This is an action plan for the next five to seven years. By definition such strategic plans have to take a sufficiently long-term perspective but at the same time they cannot be rigid as if cast in stone.

The areas of activities are:

1. Micro-networking to strengthen governance in service delivery;
2. Access to information to increase accountability and participation;
3. Advocacy & Campaigning;
4. Participatory Research; and
5. Publication

In order to promote these activities some specific projects have been identified within each of the sectors identified above.

Micro-networking & Access to information

Projects

1. Committees of Concerned Citizens;
2. Advice and Information Centres;
3. School, College & University Clubs;
4. Documentary Centre;
5. National Integrity Programme; and
6. Advocacy Project

Advocacy & Campaigning

Subject Matters

1. An Office of Ombudsman;
2. Investigative journalism;
3. An independent broadcasting authority;
4. Official Secrets' Act;
5. Freedom of Information Act;
6. Disclosure of assets by Members of Parliament and civil servants;
7. Fundraising by political parties;
8. Voters’ education; and
9. Rules of Business in Government.

Participatory Research

Topics

1. Incentive Package;
2. Diagnostic Studies;
3. Corruption Surveys; and
4. News Scan & Corruption Almanac.

Publications

TIB intends to publish materials based on the activities stated above.

Section D

Micro-networking & Access to information

Projects

(I) The Establishment of Committees of Concerned Citizens:

In line with its grassroots focus, TIB would like to develop a network of Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) throughout the country. It is envisaged that a few CCCs would be established in suitable locations of the country. Based on the experiences of the initial CCCs, TIB would formulate a time frame for further CCCs all over the country.

It is also envisaged that the CCCs would be self-sustaining self-help community groups of individuals who would be initially provided with information, ideas and encouragement by TIB. The organisational structure of CCCs would be informal, with the only stipulation that such CCCs will have to comply with Transparency International’s basic aims and objectives. CCCs can concentrate on whatever sectors or services they consider important but they are likely to have more impact if they concentrate on issues peculiar to their own particular geographic regions.

The CCCs could primarily undertake the tasks of rating municipal services delivered to common people, reporting the feed-back to the people in the locality, encourage the establishment of ‘islands of integrity’ within the catchment area and lobby for reform and change for improvements in service delivery.

Ratings of municipal services will be done using a standardised methodology involving opinion polls and focussed group discussions. Results will be recorded and made public by using 'Report Cards'. 'Report Cards' can serve as a catalyst for local officials to make changes where necessary in the manner services are delivered. The CCCs will also encourage officials to make commitments to conduct their affairs without resorting to corruption, i.e., to form ‘islands of integrity’. In general, the CCCs will serve as local lobbying groups or offices of ombudsman, seeking to instigate changes in their communities.

Below are some specific steps, which will have to be taken in the process of setting up of CCCs:

1. Identify the geographical locations.
2. Identify the individuals/organisations to be involved.
3. Initiate discussion with selected individuals and organisations;
4. Provide an organisational framework (i.e., Hierarchical versus collective, part-time versus full-time personnel, voluntary versus paid, individuals versus organisations or a combination of both, fully autonomous of tib or tib sub-chapters) and terms of reference (i.e., Well defined versus flexible, the manner of reporting to tib, the form of auditing, evaluation & monitoring).
5. Different pilot models to be established initially.
6. Outside organisation to carry out impact study on individual cccs.

A detailed concept paper outlining the various components will be available.

(II) The Establishment of Advice and Information Centres:

Closely related to the setting up of CCCs would be the establishment of Advice and Information Centres (AICs). The citizens' right to information is fundamental and is the underlying principle on which the establishment of AICs is rooted. The latest information technology can be deployed and embodied within AICs.

The AICs will compile and manage information from the CCCs throughout the country as well as from other sources such as newspapers, magazines and research journals. The AICs, in conjunction with TIB's Documentation Center and research team, will also supervise and co-ordinate the replication of corruption surveys at specified time intervals in order to continue with the fight against corruption. Information will be managed by utilising the latest information technology.

The AICs, in conjunction with TIB's Documentation Center and publication team, will also administer the task of disseminating information to the public via newsletters, reports, books, academic papers, press releases and press conferences. Information will be available to possible in-house scholars to write research papers on relevant topics, and also to academics external to the organisation.

The AICs will co-ordinate the findings of the 'Report Cards' generated by the CCCs across geographic regions in order to foster competition, particularly in the service delivery sector, throughout the country. It will collect information about the ‘islands of integrity’ and then report these developments through appropriate media to the general public.

The AICs can also develop creative ways to compile and analyse data, such as formulating vulnerability and integrity indices that measure the effect of corruption on different demographic groups. It will also publish corruption almanacs containing data in tables and charts, which can be used to make comparisons across the country and among nations.

Below are some specific steps, which will have to be taken in the process of setting up of AICs:

1. Identify the Divisional Headquarters and other locations.
2. Identify the areas of information gathering.
3. Gather information and store them in different forms (i.e. Files, computers, verbally).
4. Disseminate information.
5. Produce regular consolidated reports ('Report Cards').
6. Organise press conferences and briefings.
7. Develop accessible information technology (such as, internet and electronic mailing system) with other organisations.

(III) The Establishment of School, College & University Clubs

Another important area of activity that TIB has identified is that of the youth of Bangladesh. TIB believes that in curbing corruption in Bangladesh one has to ultimately encourage a certain attitude or mind-set which would resist the prevalent thinking of ‘dishonesty is profitable’. So the unofficial motto of TIB is ‘Get them Young’. One of the ways of achieving this is by forming ‘clubs’ in schools, colleges and universities. Wherever there is a receptive audience TIB would form forums for discussion, which would encourage critical thinking and awareness regarding issues of ethical practice and standards.

Such ‘clubs’ could also be a way of building coalitions with other organisations, such as, the boys scouts and girls guides movement, the Interact and Rotaract clubs of Rotary International, debating societies, journalists associations, community libraries and others.

Below are some specific steps, which will have to be taken in the process of setting up of clubs:

1. Identify individuals or existing organisations in institutions.
2. Briefing meetings.
3. Identify a theme(s) and event(s).
4. Encourage a wide participation, i.e., Students, teachers and parents.
5. Encourage ideas of self-sustenance and independence.
6. Encourage exchange of information and participation in other tib activities.
7. Regional and national conventions involving such 'clubs'.

(IV) Documentation Centre

TIB has set up a modest library containing books and reports. As part of its long-term activity TIB would want to upgrade the library into a Documentary Centre. The function of such a Centre would be to provide a supporting role to the Advice and Information Centres (AICs) to be established throughout Bangladesh. The Centre would act as a repository and the AICs would be able to call upon the Centre to complement its functions. As part of its information dissemination the Centre would be linked to TIB website and other information system. The other role envisaged by such the Centre would be that of resource to research and publication activities, which would be undertaken by TIB.

The Centre will be located within the main office of TIB and would be open to TIB members. Other users will have to comply with certain requirements in order to have access to the Centre. The Centre would have its own complement of staff but remain within the organisational structure of TIB.

(V) National Integrity Programme

The broad goal of TIB's National Integrity Program (1999-2001) would be to "promote integrity and curb corruption in public sector service delivery systems in selected sites of Bangladesh through grassroots participation of recipients of public services." The specific objectives of the proposed project would be to:

1. Provide baseline information for strengthening the National Integrity System through a Fact-finding Exercise (FFE).
2. Assist formation of pilot Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) in selected sites of Bangladesh which will serve as local lobbying groups seeking to curb corruption, instigate reform and promote integrity in public sector delivery system (see 'CCCs' above).
3. Establish an 'Advice and Information Centre' (AIC) which would serve as a central clearing-house of information on the extent, nature and location of corruption in Bangladesh (see 'AICs' above).
4. Holding of issue-orientated 'National Integrity Workshops' (NIW) for Bangladesh with the aim of drawing up a feasible action plan defining the tasks of various stakeholders in the 'National Integrity System' (NIS).

NIP will be time-specified and the decision to continue with such a programme would depend on the circumstances existing at the final stage of NIP.

(VI) Advocacy Project

The purpose of an Advocacy Project would be to influence the Government of Bangladesh (GOB), as a lead partner, to make changes in key areas of governance in the identified priority areas. The Project would assist the Government and other partner organisations to set priorities, change practices and formulate public policy in order to improve governance. The project would also assist the public officials to decide how best to deliver or provide services and provide useful feedback for evaluation of public policies and programmes.

The goal of the project would be to reduce the level of corruption in Bangladesh and to promote more transparent and accountable public sector/services.

TIB proposes the following:

1. TIB would wish to continue with the baseline household survey for a period of five years in order to obtain a statistical picture of the state of corruption in Bangladesh. An effective advocacy effort can only be designed based on a reliable data base.
2. TIB would wish to produce publications based on such surveys. Imparting information to the key participants is of paramount importance in an environment where the presumption is in favour of secrecy. Availability of accurate information enables the public and the decision-makers to take informed decisions and policy choices. Information has to be given in a form which could be readily used by the general public and civil society organisations.
3. TIB would organised workshops, focus group discussions and seminars in order to disseminate and share information and ideas with a wide cross-section of the general public.
4. TIB would constantly brief the press, particularly the written media, and engage and assist them in carrying out investigative journalism.
5. TIB would lobby parliamentarians to formulate and implement decisions and policies to curb corruption at every sphere of life, particularly in certain sectors, which are considered to be strategic and sensitive.

Advocacy & Campaigning

Subject Matters

(I) Office of Ombudsman

TIB proposes the following:

1. Two groups of consultants: six national and eight international;
2. Both groups, individually, will prepare and present papers at the workshop. The national group will prepare papers touching on the present legal framework and possible areas of clarification, improvement and refinement in the expectation that a 'state of the art' Office of Ombudsman would serve the citizens of Bangladesh. The national contributors would touch on the various broader issues of the Office of Ombudsman.
3. The international group, consisting of countries representing different regions of the world, will prepare papers containing the experience of their own countries, and with best practices that could be incorporated into the Office of Ombudsman for Bangladesh; it is also envisaged that the world experts would be invited to participate as members of the international group.
4. The individuals from Bangladesh would examine the present legislative framework and the specific requirements in terms of

   1. functions;
   2. power;
   3. jurisdiction;
   4. structure;
   5. resource;
   6. amendments of law/creation of rules and procedures; and
   7. other relevant issues

5. a wider group of individuals and organisations prior to the workshop in order to solicit further comments and suggestions. These suggestions would then be incorporated and a final version of the papers to be produced and circulated within a set time prior to the holding of the workshop.

(II) Investigative Journalism

TIB launched a programme on investigative journalism in 1997 as one of its initial efforts in raising awareness. TIB strongly believes that the role of the media, particularly printed, is crucial to the strengthening of various central institutions, which will ultimately be responsible for the enhancement of integrity in the society at large. In Bangladesh the printed press is relatively free to deliberate on most issues and there are some notable examples of reports which would fall within the description of investigative journalism. TIB's programme on investigative journalism is presently in the form of an annual award to the best investigative journalists.

TIB has also announced a sabbatical allowance for freelance or employed journalists to take time-off regular work in order to work on certain stories which could be described as investigative journalism. The idea behind the sabbatical allowance is to give individual journalists an opportunity to carry out certain investigation without the daily constraints of working to set deadlines and commitments. TIB would entertain proposals from freelance or employed journalists (of 3 to 5 years standing/experience) outlining the subject matter, the duration of time to be spent and disbursement costs expected to be incurred.

TIB would also be interested in exploring a number of other issues to improve investigative journalism. TIB has identified the following items:

1. Encouragement in the form of training and internship for the ‘Best Journalists’ of the year.
2. Seminars & Workshops on the issue of investigative journalism drawing on the resources accumulated by TIB through ‘news scan’ and corruption almanac; an analysis of the findings could reveal the present deficiencies and strengths; and put forward suggestions to improve the quality of journalism in terms of depth and continuity of such reporting.
3. Special intensive meetings/discussions involving editors and senior management of newspapers in order to identify the factors which could create a conducive environment for journalists.

Other Campaigning Subject Matters:

1. The setting up of an Independent Broadcasting Authority
2. The repeal of the Official Secrets' Act
3. The enactment of a Freedom of Information Act
4. Enactment of legislation requiring the disclosure of assets by Members of Parliament and civil servants
5. Establishment of rules for fundraising by political parties
6. Promotion of transparency in the energy sector

Participatory Research

Topics

(I) Incentive Package

The objectives are:

1. to examine the nature, extent, processes and impact of corruption in Bangladesh, to provide a better understanding which will assist efforts to improve the performance of government institutions; and
2. to study how incentives for good performance in the public sector could be strengthened, especially by linking wages and other benefits more closely with performance.

(II) Diagnostic Studies

The objectives are:

1. to help improve TIB's knowledge of the manifestations of corruption;
2. to analyse the factors/causes leading to the phenomenon of growing corruption;
3. determine the reasons that impede anti-corruption work, and propose remedies;
4. to improve public awareness of the 'ways and means' of corrupt practices in certain sectors; and
5. to come up with some specific remedial action plan.

The measurement of corruption presents a serious problem and like other sectors where the issue is intrinsically secretive in nature, for example, sex discrimination, it is difficult to collect reliable quantitative information. Nevertheless, through diagnostic studies of different public sector departments, it would be possible to evaluate, however imperfectly, the extent of corruption and to ascertain the areas where it has the largest impact and deserves urgent remedial action.

(III) Corruption Surveys

The initial corruption survey has served to provide evidence of the nature and extent of corruption in certain sectors. In future TIB will conduct other surveys with the following objectives:

1. to demonstrate the nature and extent of corruption in different sectors; and
2. to compare the new findings with the old in order to determine what progress, if any, has been made in the effort to curb corruption.

These surveys will be planned to take place at regular intervals. As with the initial survey, TIB will ensure that a scientific methodology is followed and then will disseminate the results via press and detailed written reports. TIB will also sponsor seminars and workshops to highlight the results. Focus group discussions will also be conducted in order to record the reactions of the general public of such findings.

(IV) News Scan & Corruption Almanac

The main focus of the previous study was on the Public Sector and Public

Organisations. The objectives of the study were follows:

1. to construct definitions for corruption and the major divisions of corruption through reported Literature Survey;
2. to define Actors and Abettors in the corruption process;
3. to ascertain the state of victims and villains; and
4. to gauge the linkage with the political economy.

It is intended that any repeat of news scan would build on the first round of news scan but expand the area of investigation and analysis. It is also intended that a corruption almanac would be produced with TIB's Documentary Centre. This work could be used as a reference book on corruption, and would detail statistical evidence of corrupt practices and how they affect the common people and the overall cost of service delivery.

Publications

TIB's research output has so far been modest. It is envisaged that in the coming years the volume will increase as a result of research and project activities. They can be published by TIB or by established publishing houses. Proceeds from publications can become a modest source of income for TIB.

TIB has already put its research output on a website. The website (http://www.ti-bangladesh.org/) is presently being upgraded. TIB is aware of the possibility that the website could be a medium for world-wide publicity of its publications.

As access to information is a vital ingredient in increasing transparency and accountability in the society at large similarly TIB believes that the general public should be aware of the latest findings and activities of organisations dedicated to a more active and vibrant civil society. The publication wing of TIB would endeavour to release to the public and media information with the aim of increasing awareness regarding the ill effects of corruption.

Section E

TIB intends to put together a core team but with diversified expertise and interests. Another important factor would be commitment to the aims and objectives of TIB. In order to attract individuals with both capability and commitment there has to be an appropriate incentive package, which would take into account both flexibility and quality of output.

Personnel Requirement

1. Deputy Director
2. Executive Secretary
3. Program Co-ordinator
4. Research Team Leader
5. Information Team Leader
6. Librarian

There are related matters, which will have to addressed prior to or after recruitment. They are (a) recruitment policy (including an element of ethical test) (b) salary scale (c) staff charters. These issues could be addressed by examining policies of comparable organisations.

The Advisory Council

The composition of such a council should take the following factors, among others, into account:

1. Demographic composition
2. Gender balance
3. Professions
4. Able and willing to speak (to raise funds, to make public aware) on behalf of TIB
5. Complement and support the functions of the Board of Trustees

Section F

Funding

TIB would require substantial funding at three levels: core, project and technical assistance. Since TIB started functioning in late 1996 the core funding has been received from the Royal Danish Embassy. The initial year's (1996-1997) core funding has been extended by another three years (1998-2000) but on a decreasing scale (1999 - 75% and 2000 - 50%). The other sources of modest funding for research and advocacy activities have been the Asia Foundation and the World Bank.

TIB would require new sources of funding in order to augment the existing core funding requirement in order to undertake its plans and programmes. It is envisaged that some of the core-funding requirement could come from projects financing.

TIB has been canvassing the idea of a consortium of various donors pooling their resources together to give TIB the flexibility in terms of developing its projects both from the point of view of core and project funding. It is yet to be seen to what extent this idea would be feasible.

The potential funding sources could be:

1. Donors: TIB has discussed with a numbers of foreign donors the modalities of funding. A number of foreign donors have shown keen interest and have informally met to agree on a response. They are awaiting TIB's plans and programmes before making any commitment.
2. Project collaboration: A certain sum is normally included in project funding as overhead service charge.
3. Fundraising: (a) Internal - TIB could raise funds from individuals and corporate. (b) External - There is also the possibility of raising funds from the Bangladeshi community and others from overseas, particularly the UK and North America.
4. Endowment Fund: TIB would consider setting up of an endowment fund. TIB is contemplating that a pre-determined fixed sum of money would flow into such an endowment fund from various sources. The rationale behind such a fund is to ensure continuity of TIB's core activities.
5. Income generation: The scope is limited given the nature of TIB's activities. But over a period of time a modest income could be generated from its publications and consultancy.
6. Government Funding: This source may, at this stage, appear to be remote and inappropriate.

Technical Assistance

TIB would require immediate funding in order to meet the costs of technical assistance in developing the aforementioned projects. TIB is very conscious of the fact that in order to undertake the various projects it is extremely important that a very extensive assessment is carried out in relation to the following items:

1. Organisational capacity building, including both personnel and capital costs.
2. Individual project assessment, including both personnel and capital costs.
3. Identify resource organisations and persons to carry out the above.
4. Management of funds and reporting requirements at least during a period until TIB's organisational capacity is substantially developed.
5. A related issue is that of evaluation. In order to assess the level of efficiency and effectiveness TIB would want to undertake certain 'audit' exercise. It could take place at two levels: internal and external audit exercise.

The above list of technical assistance is a cursory one.

Possible Sources of Technical Assistance

1. TIB has already expressed the view that it is not opposed to any pass through organisation providing some of the expertise required as outlined above.
2. TIB has explored the possibility of assistance from overseas in the form of technical expertise. Various sources have expressed willingness to participate in such a programme by identifying individuals who could spend some time with TIB and provide expertise (for example, an individual could assist TIB in setting up it documentary centre, particularly the IT component). A donor would underwrite such a programme.
3. Another option would be offer placement within TIB to individuals with relevant qualifications. This arrangement, by nature, is a two-way relationship and the output can be difficult to predict.

Section G

Suggested Time Frame

(a) Immediate Action Points - First Stage (within 6 months)

1. Presentation of TIB Plans & Programme together with concept papers to various constituencies, e.g., the civil society, NGOs, media and donors.
2. Commitment of funding.
3. Identify resource organisations and persons.
4. Conducting of assessment in terms of organisational and projects' requirements.
5. Advertisement and appointment of new personnel (see Section E).

(b) Second Stage

1. Implementation of Projects as agreed with donors.
2. Setting in motion the findings of various assessments.
3. Initial evaluation and appraisal.

(c) Third Stage

1. Review of TIB's Strategic Plan.
2. Carry out necessary modification to the Strategic Plan.

Appendix

Survey on Corruption in Bangladesh, 1997

Corruption as People See It, 1998

Ideas Paper - Input for Strategic Planning, 1998

Workshop on Conscientisation of the Civil Society in Strengthening Integrity Report, 1998