IACD

TIB organized series of programmes both at local and national levels to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and to observe the International Anti-corruption Day 2011 (9 December). Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) in 45 areas across Bangladesh and Youth Engagement & Support (YES) members organized rallies, seminars and roundtables, human chain, cartoon exhibitions, street theatres, anti-corruption oath-taking and various other outreach activities participated by tens of thousands of people including public officials and representatives, professionals, civil society, media, business and the common people. The large majority of the participants were the young generation including the students of schools, colleges and universities.

At the national level following programmes were organized:

A cultural programme and youth festival was organized on the eve of International Anti-Corruption Day at Robindro Shorobor, Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Thursday, 8 December 2011. With the slogan: Let's fight corruption with the songs of freedom, the program was a rendition of some of the songs of our glorious war of independence which inspired us to fight against the Pakistani army 40 years ago. A special tribute was paid towards all the musicians and concerned activists of 1971 who used music as a tool. The State Minister for Ministry of Liberation Affairs Captain (Rtd.) AB Tajul Islam joined as Chief Guest.

A human chain was held in front of Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka campus on Friday, 9 December. The human chain called upon the government to follow up on its electoral pledge to ensure good governance and equal rights of all by effectively curbing the menace of corruption. A week-long anti-corruption cartoon exhibition began on 9 December at the Zainul Gallery of Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. Prizes and certificates were also distributed among winners who participated in the anti-corruption cartoon competition of 2011 held earlier this year. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka inaugurated the exhibition while eminent cartoonist Rafiqunnabi (RONOBI) was present. The exhibition will remain open till 16 December 2011, from 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

A key message of the observance of the IACD this year was: 40 years of glorious independence: we want good governance, control of corruption, International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 Dec, which was transmitted on 9th December by all mobile phone users of Bangladesh reached to over 70 million subscribers.

Leading Bangla daily Prothom Alo brought out a special edition of Rosh+Alo on 5th December to observe the International Anti-Corruption Day. This edition was full of funny cartoons, satirical short write-ups, including a special poem by noted writer Lutfor Rahman Riton. Debate Competition: TIB organized a national level debate competition in partnership with Dhaka University Debating Society from 1 – 3 December at the University of Dhaka campus.

The TIB-DUDS 10th Debate Competition featured debating teams from 32 universities, both public and private, where young students debated on issues related to corruption and good governance. The closing ceremony was held on 3 December where Chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission was present as Chief Guest. A special write up of TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman was published on 5th December in the leading English Daily Star’s monthly edition of FORUM Magazine.