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30 December 2004

CCC Activities

An Opinion-Sharing meeting was held with the Madhupur Poura-Parishad on 26 December. Chairman and 9 Commissioners of the Municipality were present at the meeting. TIB officials and CCC members were also present. The meeting discussed existing problems of the Municipal area and ways to improve various civic amenities. Earlier on 20 December, a Volunteers Meeting was also held in Madhupur CCC. A TIB official was present to moderate the meeting.    

Meeting with the Land Administration

A 6-member delegation from TIB and Kishorganj CCC met the Land Administration authority of Kishorganj on 21 December and discussed ways to improve the services of this sector. The Assistant Commissioner of Land Mohammad Jakir Hossain was present during this meeting. The meeting mainly discussed issues related to land administration services and the recent TIB report card survey on it. It was observed that due to lack of proper knowledge about the Land Administration office, the general people are often harassed. Mr. Jakir Hossain told the meeting that an Information Board would be placed at the Land Admin. office to facilitate the general people.

Jamalpur CCC

A meeting was held on 20 December at the Eetail Union in Jamalpur which was jointly organized by CCC and TIB. Held at the Shoilerkanda High School premises, the meeting was chaired by CCC Convener of Jamalpur Advocate Nazrul Islam Dulu. Chairman of Eetail Union Parishad Hafizur Rahman was present along with other members of the Parishad and gave answers to various queries of the audience. Mr. Rahman also briefed the audience about his plans regarding construction of roads, electricity supply and healthcare facilities.   

Earlier, a discussion meeting with the newly elected officials of Jamalpur Municipality area was also held on 18 December. Ward Commissioner Mohammad AsmatUllah was present to talk about his municipal area. Held at the Muslim Government Primary School premises, the meeting was chaired by member of the CCC Professor Meer Ansar Ali. It was also attended, among others, by CCC member Advocate Jahid Anwar, Sukumar Chowdhury, Mostofa Babul and a large number of local residents. Discussants at the meeting talked about various problems of the Municipal area and suggested ways to overcome them.

Workshop on 'Services of the Union Parishad' held

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) jointly organized a workshop on 19 December at the Mymensingh Sadar Upazilla Auditorium, Mymensingh. Local UP Chairman attended the workshop. The discussions at the meeting focused on improving the services of Union Parishads. A significant number of women members were also present at this meeting and talked about their problems. The waorkshop was chaired by Dr. Nazmanara Khanum, UNO, Sadar Upazilla. TIBs Program Officer Samapika Halder also spoke.

Besides, regular CCC meetings were held in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rajshahi, Natore and Chapai Nawabgonj areas. A training workshop on Report Card Survey for the CCC members was also held in Rangpur on 11-12 December. 

Other Activities

Friends of TIB: TIB is going to expand its activities in the south-western city of Khulna. Accordingly, Friends of TIB groups will be established in this city. On 27 December, TIB's Outreach Relations Officer Muhammad Sajjad Hussein visited Khulna and held preliminary talks with some renowned local NGOs.

People's Theatre: Regular theatre shows were held during the month of December.  A total of 8 shows were held in Mymensingh while 9 were staged in Muktagacha and 10 in Nalitabari. Earlier on November, a Development Theatre Workshop was held for the performers of the Peoples Theatre. Another workshop will be held on the first week of February. New theatre groups will also be formed in new CCC areas of Rangpur, Kurigram and Rajshahi.

15 December 2004

International Anti-Corruption Day observed by TIB

Government persuaded to sign and ratify UN Convention Against Corruption

 TI-Bangladesh has observed the International Anti-corruption Day with great enthusiasm and expectation. Activities included the following:

• Public rallies and discussion meetings;
• Essay, debate, drawing and investigative journalism competition;
  Cultural events like songs and drama;
• Posters, billboards and a TV spot especially made on the occasion

The key objective to raise public awareness about the need to fight corruption and to mobilize greater participation of all stakeholders. Programs were organized not only in the capital Dhaka, but also in most other major cities as well as grassroots levels where TIB has been working through Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs). Participation has been widespread and spontaneous everywhere.

TI Integrity Award for the late journalist Manik Saha was also handed over to his wife, Nanda Saha.

In Dhaka, highlight of the day was an Advocacy Seminar on the "UN Convention against Corruption" in which the key-note paper was titled "UN Convention against Corruption: The International Instrument in National Interest". The meeting was attended by over 200 participants with Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs as Chief Guest and Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud, President of Supreme Court Bar Association as Special Guest.

The main outcome of the event was a clear commitment of the Government announced by the Law Minister to initiate the process towards signing the Convention. The Minister added that he would soon write to the Foreign Minister requesting necessary measures on the part of the Foreign Ministry. He was subsequently quoted to have already written a letter to the Foreign Minister.

TIB will continue to take follow-up initiatives of advocacy and campaign to keep the momentum so the Government not only signs and ratifies the Convention as soon as possible, but also implement it in both spirit and letter, which are consistent with the electoral commitment of the government as well as all major political parties.

Members' Meeting Held

The TIB Members Meeting 2004 was held on November 4, 2004, at 3 pm at the Chalet Restaurant, Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting was attended by 32 members. Ms. Sayyada Ruhi Ghaznavi, Secretary General and Acting Chairperson of Board of Trustees attended. It was also participated by Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director and 21 other members of the TIB staff. During the meeting senior staff members of TIB made presentations on the progress of work since the last meeting, and the plan of work for the next year and beyond. They also highlighted a brief assessment of the achievements and challenges ahead. In the open discussion several members took active part freely. It was suggested by the members that   TIB should explore how it could engage the government leaders more closely so as to remove their misperceptions about TIB.

Members appreciated the good work done by TIB and suggested that instead of holding meetings like this, members should be given the opportunity to take part in activities organized by TIB. Another suggestion was that most of the concerns raised by members would be addressed if arrangements were made to hold members meeting on a monthly basis. The ED responded by saying that this would be logistically impossible at this stage. He would however explore the possibility of facilitating a members' day on a quarterly basis on which members would be able to freely discuss with staff about the ongoing work of TIB and other matters of interest. The meeting was followed by an Ifter.

15 October 2004

International Anti-Corruption Day to be observed on 9th December

The UN General Assembly has recently designated December 9th as the International Anti-Corruption Day. On this occasion Transparency International Bangladesh has decided to undertake some programs to create greater public awareness and participation in curbing corruption. An elaborate plan had been chalked out to observe this day which includes essay competition, painting competition for children, seminar and rally.

Mothers Conference held in Nalitabari and Kishoreganj

Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) Nalitabari has recently organized a conference of mothers in association with TIB. Ma Shomabesh (Mothers Conference) was held on 13 October at the local Taraganj Charu Government Primary School. Presided over by Convener of the CCC M A Hakam Hira, this program was attended by a large number of local mothers, schoolteachers and members of the civil society. The meeting discussed ways to improve the quality of education and how to stop early dropouts. Some proposals were also made to improve the quality of education.

A similar program was earlier arranged by CCC Kishoreganj on 4 October at the Barakhapan Government Primary School Auditorium, Kishoreganj. Aiming at creating awareness among the mothers of the school-going children this program also initiated measures to build a bridge between the teachers and the parents to ensure better education at the primary level. Presided over by the President of the School Committee Musded Uddin, this program was attended by around 300 mothers. The function was also addressed, among others, by District Education Officer Sultan Mia, Upazilla Education Officer Tahina Khatun, Convener of the CCC Kishoreganj Khurshed Uddin Bhuiyan, CCC Member Advocate Saiful Huq Molla and Maya Bhoumik. During the discussions, it was observed that without the cooperation of the mothers a congenial atmosphere to impart quality education is not possible. The meeting also called upon the mothers to ensure regular attendance of their children at school.

Later on 11 October, the CCC organized another parents-teachers meeting at the local S V Government Girls High School Auditorium. TIBs Program Officer Samapika Halder, Assistant Program Officer M Mohsin were also present during this meeting.

Meeting with local Municipal Corporation held in Madhupur

On 7 October, CCC Madhupur, in association with TIB, held a discussion meeting with the Chairman and other members of Modhupur Municipal Corporation. This program was presided over by Professor Golam Samdani, Convener, CCC Madhupur. The meeting discussed ways to improve the services of the Municipal Corporation and to ensure transparency and accountability in its activities. It also observed that members of the civil society should be involved in the activities of the corporation. 

30 September 2004

Working Paper on Chittagong Port released

A working paper on Chittagong Port was released on 28 September at the National Press Club. The study report, prepared after a year’s research on port activities from July 2003 to June 2004, said that officials and workers of Chittagong port and customs took about Tk 783 crore from importers and exporters as bribe and tips. Of the total illegal transactions at the country's largest seaport, customs officials take Tk 451 crore and port staffers Tk 332 crore. It is to be mentioned here that the report marked the first comprehensive study on Chittagong Port, analyzing all aspects and preparing a set of recommendations to improve the situation to face the challenges of continued traffic growth. Because of unbridled corruption, irregularities and frequent strikes, the International Maritime Bureau has identified the port as world's second most risky port, the report said, adding that the cost of service in the seaport is the highest in the world.

The report detected that the importers and exporters have to bribe officials at 37 points in the port and berthing a vessel requires filling as many as 42 forms, while it is only seven forms in Malaysia's Penang seaport. The shipping agents are compelled to pay bribes or tips in 11 stages for permission for berthing a ship from the port authorities and equipment operators stop handling and damage containers unless they are paid tips fixed by the operators. The tips-taking practice went without objection for long, turning it into a lawful port charge, the report says.

The report also came up with some recommendations to check the irregularities at the port. It called for amendment of the Port Authority Act 1976 for making the port authority an autonomous body by reducing influence of the shipping ministry, setting up a coordination committee incorporating all stakeholders including the port users, engaging private companies for worker supply and equipment handling, giving responsibility to agents to appoint stevedoring staff, drastically reducing red tape for import, installing closed-circuit cameras to identify unscrupulous officers and check pilferage.

TIB's Trustee Member Professor Muzaffer Ahmad was present during the report release as Chief Guest while its Senior Program Officer Sydur Rahman Molla presented the paper. Dr. Iftekharuzzamn, Executive Director, TIB moderated the session which was attended, among others, by business leaders, academics, politicians and journalists.

Induction of new Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) held

The induction of the executive committees of new CCCs of Rangpur, Kurigram and Lalmonirhat areas was held on 16 September 2004 at the RDRS Auditorium in Rangpur. Samson H. Chowdhury, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TIB was present as the chief guest.

The TIB Chairman in his speech underscored the necessity of creating awareness at the grassroots level to fight corruption. It is through our unity that we can fight together, Mr. Chowdhury said. He also gave emphasis to the education sector saying that it is through education that a nation can prosper.

The program also was addressed, among others, by TIB's Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, its Senior Program Officer Ekram Hossain and Conveners of the new CCCs.

CCC Activities

In Mymensingh and Modhupur CCC areas, two conventions of the mothers were held. The first convention was held in Mymensingh Sadar on 19 September organized jointly by CCC and TIB. Held at a local primary school, this unique convention was participated by a large number of mothers. A similar program was also arranged in Modhupur, Tangail on 23 September. Both these programs were convened to create awareness among the mothers and to build a bridge between the parents and the teachers. The teachers and members of the managing committees of the schools were also present.

On 23 September, a meeting was held between the CCC of Jamalpur and the UNO of Jamalpur to discuss the recently released report of TIB on Union Parishads. The local UNO termed the report of TIB as authentic and promised to improve the services of the Union Parishad. TIB's Program Organizer Al Amin Miah was present during this meeting.

15 September 2004

Three reports on Speedy Trial Court, Local Government and Land Administration released

Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) recently organized a series of roundtable meetings to release three working papers on Speedy Trial Court, Local Government and Land Administration during 12-14 September 2004. These programs were held at the CIRDAP Auditorium at Topkhana Road, Dhaka.

On September 12, a report on the performance of Speedy Trial Court was released under TIBs Court Watch Program. The report said that one-fourth of cases under the Law and Order Disruption Crime (Speedy Trial) Act 2002 were politically motivated. It also said that Judicial staff including magistrates, lawyers and court clerks had fleeced 67.6 percent or over two-thirds of the defendants in cases filed under this law. The study conducted in 2003 found about 23.4 percent of the magistrates, 29.8 percent lawyers and 44.3 percent court clerks wring money illegally from the accused in the cases.

TIB Trustee Member and Treasurer Professor Muzaffer Ahmad presided over the session while Mr. Abdul Alim, Research Officer, TIB presented the paper. Later, Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Huq Inu, Ain-O-Salish Kendra Executive Director Sultana Kamal and eminent Lawyer Shahdeen Malik took part in the discussions.

Bangla summary: PDF format, Word format
Bangla full version: PDF format, Word format

On 13 September, a report on Local Government (Municipality and Union Parishad) was released. The report, based on a survey conducted in greater Mymensingg, was aimed at assessing the service of local government bodies, condition of roads, cleanliness efforts and drainage system. The report revealed that Poursavas and Union Parishads took bribes from the people for different services such as approval of house building plan and dispute resolution. The residents of these areas, it added, expressed their resentments at various irregularities and lack of civic amenities. It also said that about 63 percent residents of pourasavas and over 71 percent in Union Parishads are dissatisfied with the services of these two local government bodies.

In its recommendations, the report said that most local government representatives forget their election pledges they made before the election. So it suggested forming committees with professionals and noted citizens who would work as pressure groups and remind them of their pledges. The survey also found that the local government representatives could not perform their duties properly because of inadequate fund and human resources. It recommended raising allocation and providing new source of income for the local government bodies.

The program was chaired by Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, Treasurer and Member, Board of Trustees, TIB while Dr. Ifekharuzzaman, Executive Director, TIB was present. The report was presented by Sydur Rahman Molla, Senior Program Officer, TIB. Atiur Rahman, senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), MM Akash of Economics Department, Dhaka University, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, country director of Hunger Project were also present and discussed on the paper. Pourasava chairmen, UP members, and members of the Committees of Concerned Citizens also attended the roundtable.

Another report on Land Administration was released on September 14. The report made some startling revelations about the Land Administration of Bangladesh. It said that about ninety percent of households are forced to bribe field level land officials for registration of land as corruption and lack of transparency and accountability reign supreme. The offices of assistant commissioner (AC) land, sub-registrar, tahsildar, deed writer, Kanungu and settlement officer exacted about Tk12.21 crore in bribe from service seekers. It is to be mentioned that the survey was conducted in six municipalities and 52 unions of greater Mymensingh region during October to November last year. The report was presented by Sydur Rahman Molla, Senior Program Officer, TIB while Prof Muzaffer Ahmad chaired the session.

TI report calls for truly Independent Anti-Corruption Commission and Ombudsman in Bangladesh

A report on National Integrity Systems TI Country Study Report Bangladesh 2003 was released on 14 September at a press conference. It was held at the National press Club. The National Integrity Systems TI Country Study Report Bangladesh 2003 was prepared by TIB under the auspices of a programme developed by the TI Secretariat. It was the latest in a series of TI study reports on national integrity systems. The report called for truly independent Anti-Corruption Commission and Ombudsman in Bangladesh. It said that systematic corruption posed a serious challenge to efforts to promote good governance in Bangladesh and urgent steps are needed to address issues like lack of laws on political party finance, poor service conditions and low salary structure for public officials. The report said that the Bureau of Anti-Corruption had been the main agency responsible for controlling corruption, but its impact had been blunted as it had been run out of the office of the prime Minister and was subject to political influence. The report also called for the immediate appointment of an Ombudsman. 

CCC activities

In Mymensingh, the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and TIB jointly organized a meeting with the newly elected Chairman and Commissioners of the Municipal Corporation on 8 September at the local Muslim Institute Auditorium. Chaired by Professor Shamsul Islam, a working paper was presented at the program on behalf of the CCC. Aimed at creating a corruption-free, transparent and accountable Municipal Corporation in Mymensingh the meeting discussed ways to ensure more civic amenities to its residents.

30 August 2004

Corruption Database (July–December 2003) released

TIB released another Corruption Database for the period of July–December 2003. The report was released through a press conference on 31 August at the National Press Club at Topkhana
Road, Dhaka. With the communications sector topping the graft-list, the report said that the Government lost Tk 225 crore in just 253 out of a total 1,115 corruption incidents. Of the Tk. 225-crore loss, 47 percent was government money, 41.9 percent of private sector, 2.8 percent of non-government organisations and 3.6 percent of donor agencies. Based on a database developed by monitoring 23 dailies of July to December 2003, the report underscored the needs for forming an effective and independent anti-corruption commission, prompt action against corrupt officials and instituting an ombudsman to eradicate corruption. It was also observed that the masses were the worst victims of corruption. The highest amount, or 32.8 percent, of financial corruption was detected in the communications sector, the second highest or 18.8 percent in food sector and the third highest, 16.3 percent, in direct and indirect taxes. In terms of number of corruption incidents, police topped the list accounting for 15.18 percent, followed by local government sector with 12 percent, education sector with 10.4 percent and health and family planning sector with 10.1 percent. Corruption was also found in finance, home affairs (excluding police), and
energy and mineral resources sector.

The report was presented by Mr. Abdul Alim, Research Officer, TIB while Prof. Muzaffer Ahmed, Treasurer and Trustee Member of TIB answered media queries. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the newly appointed Executive Director of TIB was also present.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman TIB’s new Executive Director

Iftekharuzzaman, PhD, has been appointed as Executive Director of TIB. He was earlier Executive Director of Bangladesh Freedom Foundation. Dr. Zaman served for four years from 1995 as Executive Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka, and before that he worked with the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies for
19 years, as Senior Research Fellow and Research Director. He worked for one year during 1989-1990 with the Department of International Relations of the University of Tokyo as a post-
doctoral fellow. Dr. Zaman holds degrees from University of Dhaka and Academy of Economics, Warsaw. Main areas of Dr. Zaman’s interest are development, politics, security and
cooperation in South Asia in general and Bangladesh in particular, on which he has published extensively in and outside Bangladesh.

Activities of Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs)

In Mymensingh, the regular meeting of the Volunteers’ Group was held on 23 August. The meeting was convened to discuss issues related to the upcoming meeting between the volunteers
and the newly elected members of the Municipal Corporation. Uzzal Bhattacharjee, Counselor, Advice and Information Center (AIC) discussed on the services and activities of the Center.

In Kishoreganj, Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and TIB jointly organised a meeting with the newly elected Chairman and Commissioners of the Municipal Corporation on 30 August. This meeting was arranged in a view to creating a corruption-free, transparent and accountable Municipal Corporation in Kishoreganj. Held at the Municipal Library Auditorium,
the program was presided over by Mr. Khurshed Uddin Bhuiyan, Convener, CCC Kishoreganj while Advocate Ashok Sarkar, Member, CCC, moderated. On 26 August, Kiishoreganj CCC and
TIB held a discussion meeting at the Barakhapon Government Primary School Auditorium on how to ensure quality education at the primary level. The meeting focused on issues related to
early dropout, management of school committees and the role of parents to ensure excellence in education. It was presided over by M Mukhseduddin, President, the School Managing
Committee. The meeting was also addressed, among others, by Advocate Ashok Sarkar, Member, CCC, Advocate Maya Bhoumik, Member, CCC and M Atiqur Rahman, Programme
Organiser, TIB. It was viewed, during the discussion, that civil society had a role to play to improve the quality of education.

In Jamalpur, CCC and TIB jointly organised a discussion meeting with the newly elected members of the Municipal Corporation on 23 August. Held at the conference room of the Corporation the meeting was attended by the newly elected Chairman and Commissioners of the Municipality. Presided over by Advocate Nazrul Islam Dulu the meeting was also addressed, among others, by Advocate Shah M Wares Ali Mamun, Professor Mojibor Rahman, Meer Ansar Ali, Sukumar Chowdhury, Advocate Shamim Ara, Hasanur Rahman Khan, M A Awal, Shahinur Rahman, AAK Mahmudul Hasan Dara and Al-Amin Mia. The speakers, in their speeches, presented their views on various civic issues and amenities of the municipal area and called upon the Municipal Corporation to improve the quality of services.

The CCC of Madhupur area held a meeting with the Managing Committee of Alokdia Government Primary High School on 26 August. The meeting discussed on ways to improve the
quality of education as well as preventing dropouts. The regular meeting of the Madhupur CCC was held on 23 August. It decided to hold meeting with the doctors of the Upazilla Health
Complex. A meeting of the Volunteers’ Group was also held on the same day.

The Volunteers’ Group of Muktagacha CCC held a meeting on 24 August. The meeting decided to introduce new quiz competitions for 5 local schools. This program would commence soon, the meeting decided.

15 August 2004

A CCC drive to help the flood victims

The volunteers of Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC), Mymensingh have recently taken various initiatives to help the flood-affected people of the district. On August 5, the volunteers distributed relief materials among the flood-affected students of Char Durgapur Government Primary School of Mymensingh. Counselor of TIB’s Advice & Information Center Uzzal Bhattacharjee, Assistant Program Officer Md. Mohsin and Program Organizer Faisal Mustafizur Rahman were present. It was also participated by M Ajharul Islam and Enayet Kabir of the Volunteer’s Group. The Headmistress of the school Rahima Akhter assisted the TIB team.

A seminar on vaccination held

On August 11, a seminar on vaccination was held at the CCC of Mymensingh area. It was conducted by Jakir Hossain, a Senior Medical Promotion Officer of Glaxo Bangladesh. Mr. Hossain, during his presentation, talked about some fatal diseases like Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Typhoid and discussed ways to prevent them through vaccination. A total of 45 volunteers took part in it. The next meeting of the Volunteers’ Group will be held on 25 August at 4.00 p.m.

On 9 August, the CCC of Nalitabri held a program for the volunteers. M A Hakam Hira, Convener of CCC Nalitabari discussed on the history of Sherpur district. The regular quiz competition was also held. Later a cultural program was held. The program was attended, among others, by Monjuara Begum, CCC Member, S M Atikur Rahman, Programme Organizer, TIB, Lucky Rahman, a local social worker and Babu Shajal Chandra Saha, a former Commissioner of the municipality area.

A similar program was held by the Nalitabari CCC earlier on 2 August. A speech competition was held during this program along with the regular quiz competition.

30 July 2004

Advocate Shamsul Haque remembered

A condolence meeting was held on July 19 to mourn the sudden demise of Advocate Shamsul Haque, a renowned social worker and politician, a former Member of Parliament and Convener of the Community of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Muktagacha, Mymensingh. Held at the Muktagacha Municipal Library Auditorium, the meeting was attended by CCC members, local law practitioners, women-rights activists, social workers, teachers and politicians. The audience also included a large number of local people. The meeting began with observing a one-minute silence. TIB’s Senior Programme Officer Ekram Hossain while paying his tribute termed Advocate Haque as a man of honour and dedication. The meeting was also addressed, among others, by Shapan Kumar Das, Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Bulbul, Poritosh Kar, Ekhlasur Rahman Jewel, Abdul Hye Akand, Shjahan Ali Khan, Dr. Safiruddin, Razia Khatun, Shafiullah Sarker, Shashanka Mohon Dey, Samapika Halder and Md. Tarek.

Drive to help the flood victims

On July 28, the regular meeting of the CCC and TIB’s Volunteer Group of Mymensingh Sadar was held. The meeting decided to help the flood victims and called upon its members to donate for this. It also decided to raise a fund to help the flood affected people. The meeting was jointly moderated by TIB’s Assistant Programme Officer Karuna Kishore Chakravarty and Programme Organizer Faisal Mustanfizur Rahman. A general quiz competition was also held later.

Earlier on 26 July a similar volunteers' meeting was held in Madhupur, Tangail. This meeting focused on a proposed workshop on IT sector which would be jointly organized by TIB and Youth Ending Hunger Project. The Youth Ending Hunger Project made some proposals aiming at skill-development of the volunteers. It was also decided that an IT Club would be established for the volunteers after the proposed workshop.

In Nalitabari, the volunteers arranged a series of programmes in observance of the Volunteer’s Day. As a part of this ongoing programme, a cultural function was arranged on 19 July 2004. Besides, a story-telling competition was also held. A similar programme was also arranged on 26 July.

15 July 2004

New measures to strengthen activities of Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) in Madhupur, Tangail

A meeting was held on 8 July at the CCC office of Madhupur to find ways to strengthen its activities. Some local NGO workers were also present. The meeting was Chaired by CCC Convener, Golam Samdani while TIB’s Program Officer Samapika Halder was present. The meeting discussed CCC activities that took place in recent days. It was decided that CCC should initiate more programs and activities in remote areas to create awareness against corruption. The meeting also decided to involve other NGO staff in this regard.

Volunteers' day observed in Nalitabari

The volunteers of CCC Nalitabari area as a part of its various awareness activities observed 7 July 2004 as Volunteer’s Day. A meeting was held where Ruknuzzaman Jewel, leader of the Volunteer’s presided over and it was conducted by Khandakar Nahid Hasan. The meeting started with volunteers discussing news published on newspapers. A set-speech program was also held. It was decided that the volunteers would invite the local UNO in its activities from now on. It also decided to initiate new outreach programs and publish a wall magazine on regular basis. The meeting also expressed its deep shock at the sudden demise of Advocate Shamsul Haque, the Convener of Modhupur CCC.

30 June 2004

New Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) formed in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram

As a part of its ongoing National Integrity Program, Phase- 2, TIB has recently formed 3 more CCCs in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram areas.

On June 1, a 13-member Committee was formed in Rangpur with Sadrul Alam as the Convener. An eleven-member Committee was formed in Lalmonirhat on 2 June with Moinul Islam as its Convener. And in Kurigram, a Committee was formed with Enamul Haque Chowdhury as its Convener on 3 June 2004. Details of these Committees are given below:

Rangpur Committee
Convener: Sadrul Alam
Members: Mohammad Afjal, Advocate Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, Professor Reza Shah Toufiqur Rahman, Marhamatunnesa, Md. Kuddus Ali, Rezaul Karim, Samshad Begum, Dr. Mofizul Islam, Ariful Haque Ruju, Dr. Shashshoto Vhattacharya, Moshfequa Razzak and Advocate Inunnahar.

Lalmonirhat Committee
Convener: Md. Moinul Islam
Members: Nuruzzaman Khondokar, Captain (retd.) Ajijul Haque – Bir Pratik, Advocate Md. Moijul Islam, Amirul Hayat Ahmed, Mokhter Hossain, Sultan Ara, Abdur Rob Sujon, Shopna Zaman, Jahangir Alam Shaheen and Ashrafuzzaman Mandal.

Kurigram Committee
Convener: Advocate Enamul Haque Chowdhury
Members: K.S. Ali Ahmed, Samiul Haque, Rabindranath Roy, Md. Shabuddin, Shamsunnahar Chowdhury, Dr. Moudud Hossain, Shafi Khan, Abdul Khaleque Faruk, Shamol Bhoumik, Shandhya Chowdhury and Yusuf Alamgir.

Discussion on budget held in Mymensingh

In Mymensingh, Community of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and TIB’s Volunteer Group held a discussion on the proposed budget of the year 2003-04 on 23 June. A working paper was also presented by Mohammad Abdur Rab Fakir, an economics student of local Anandamohan College and a TIB volunteer.

Karuna Kishore Chakravorty, Assistant Programme Officer, TIB moderated the event and gave answers to various questions of the volunteers about the budget. The volunteers of TIB hoped that the government would chalk out more elaborated plans to enhance its revenue collection system. They also called upon the government to initiate measures to establish an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission, improve the law and order situation and to ensure transparency in all sectors. A total of 45 volunteers participated in this program. The CCC also arranged a quiz competition on the same day.

People’s Theatre Group also arranged two discussion meetings on 22 and 29 June. TIB’s Assistant Program Officer Karuna Kishore Chakravorty and leader of the People’s Theatre Group Tridib Barman Ripon were present during these meetings. It is to be mentioned here that the Theatre Group is now implementing its June-August work-plan and all its activities are guided accordingly.

Workshop on Journalism

Youth Ending Hunger, Mymensingh Unit is organizing a workshop on journalism in Mymensingh where a total of 20 TIB Volunteers are taking part. The 5-day workshop, which will be held on every Friday, started on 11 June and will continue till 9 July. Mr. S.M. Mukhlesur Rahman, a faculty of Anandamohon College has been conducting the whole workshop as the Chief trainer with assistance from Subrata Kumar Paul, Trainer, Youth Ending Hunger. TIB’s office staff in Mymensingh are also assisting.

TIB’s move in Nalitabari to improve the quality of education

TIB recently has initiated various measures to improve the quality of education in schools through advocacy campaigns. As a part of this effort, a discussion meeting was held in the premises of Charu Government Primary School, Nalitabari on 27 June 2004. The members of the local CCC and the school committee were present while Jobaida Khatun, President of the School Committee presided. The meeting discussed on existing problems of the education sector including number of students and other amenities provided by the school authority. Later a monitoring cell was formed to observe and prevent the dropout rate in schools.

CCC of Nalitabari has also launched a quiz programme ‘Quiz Quiz’ for its volunteers in a drive to create awareness against corruption. Besides, this quiz competition aims at teaching them about the history and heritage of Bangladesh.

30 April 2004

CCC Muktagacha: Meeting journalists & celebrating Pahela Baishakh with Poetry Session
Community of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Muktagacha area held a discussion meeting with the local journalists on 12 April 2004 at 5.00 p.m. The local representatives of the local and national newspapers at Muktagacha were present. The meeting underscored the role of media in curbing corruption. It concluded that journalists could play an important role in projecting various CCC activities. The meeting was addressed, among others, by Akhi Kundu, Field Organizer, TIB, Karuna Kishore Chakravorty, Programme Assistant, TIB, and Advocate Shamsul Haque.

On 15 April, a poetry recitation session was held to celebrate the Bengali New Year. It was arranged by the volunteers of TIB. A total of 9 participants took part in the programme. A quiz competition was also held where two teams contested. Renowned local poet and cultural activist of Muktagacha, Razia Sultana was present at this lively programme.

Projection meetings for contestants of the Municipal Chairman Election
On May 2, a public meeting was held at the Muslim Institute Auditorium in Mymensingh Sadar to introduce the contestants for Municipal Chairman Election. The event was jointly organized by the local CCC and TIB. Chaired by Professor Shamsul Islam, the meeting was addressed by all the contending candidates, viz: by Advocate Mahmud Al Noor Tareq, candidate backed by Awami League and the present Chairman, Manjurul Haque Manju, candidate of Four Party Alliance, Advocate Emdadul Haque Millat, CPB candidate, Monir Chowdhury, Jatiya Party (Ershad) candidate, ATM Jahid Hasnat Bulbul, Bikalpa Dhara candidate, and Mahbubul Haque Khasru, an independent candidate. The speakers at the meeting stressed that voting is a fundamental right of the citizens but the right should be exercised judiciously. They should remain alert about the candidates' promises and their sincerity while casting votes. Booklets containing relevant information about the candidates were also distributed among the audience. Later, an awareness rally was brought out.

Meetings were also arranged on the same day in Jamalpur and Modhupur areas. In Jamalpur, the programme was arranged at the Central Shahidminar where all contestants for local Chairman election were present. The four contestants who sat on the dais were Advocate Shah Md. Wares Aki Mamun, Advocate Amanullah Akash, Delwar Hossain Delu, and Akram Hossain. The candidates, in their speeches, presented their views and programmes on various civic issues and amenities and said that, if elected, they would to improve the quality of services by Municipal Corporation. The program was chaired by Advocate Nazrul Islam Dulu, Convener, CCC Jamalpur, and local District Commissioner Shah Alam Bakshi was present as the Chief Guest. Shamapika Halder, Programme Officer, TIB, was also present.

At Modhupur, three contestants were present and booklets containing their profiles were distributed. The contestants were Khandakar Abdul Gafur Montu, Mohammad Sanowar Hossain and Sarkar Shahidul Islam Shahid. Local political leaders were present at this meeting. TIB's Senior Programme Officer Ekram Hossain also addressed the rally.

Earlier on 30 April, a similar projection meeting was held at the Kishoreganj Public Library Auditorium. Two Chairman Contestants Mr. Abu Taher Miah and Mr. Majharul Islam were present. The meeting discussed various problems of the Municipal areas and asked for the opinion of the contestants.

All these programs were organized by the local CCCs in collaboration with TIB.

15 April 2004

TIB delegation calls on the Land Minister
A TIB delegation comprising of its Director, Policy and Research Dr. Iftekhar Hossain and Team Associate Mohammed Imam Uddin made a courtesy call on M Shamsul Islam, Minister for Land on 13 April 2004. The delegation apprised the Minister about various programmes of TIB. The team also discussed about the present state of land administration of Bangladesh. It is to be noted that TIB is about to publish a report on land administration soon.

People's Theater launches membership drives in Mymensingh
TIB has always promoted drama as a tool in its advocacy programmes to make people aware of the devious ways of corruption and how to fight it at the grassroots levels. Recently, TIB and CCC of Mymensingh Sadar have jointly taken an initiative to procure new members for the People's Troupe. In this effort to recruit new members TIB and CCC representatives met student aspirants at various degree colleges and in the local press club.

CCC meets politicians in Tangail
Community of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Tangail district held a meeting with the local leaders of Awami League on 10 April 2004 at the office of the Truck Owners' Association in Tangail. The meeting discussed TIB programmes and sought cooperation of the local politicians for curbing corruption. The meeting was Chaired by CCC Convener, Professor Golam Samdani. Mr. Ekram Hossain, TIB's Senior Programme Officer addressed the audience and gave details of TIB's activities and its future plans in the CCC areas. The Awami League leaders took keen interest in TIB programmes and requested similar meetings in future. The meeting was also attended, among others, by Mr. Khandakar Shafiuddin, President of Awami League, Modhupur unit, Mr. Sarwar Alam Khan Abu, General Secretary of AL, Mr. Khandaker Abdul Gafur, a Municipal Corporation Chairman-contestant, Ms. Shamapika Haldar, TIB's Program Officer, Karuna Kishore Chakraborty, Program Assistant, TIB and members of the local CCC.

Earlier on 31 May 2004, a similar meeting with the local BNP leaders along with the UP Chairman was arranged to exchange views with the CCC members.

CCC discourse on the effects of advertisement
On April 13, 2004, the Volunteers' Group of Kishoreganj CCC held a discussion meeting on 'Adverse Effects of Advertisement' with CCC member Najmunnahar Molly in the Chair. A discussion was held on the keynote paper 'Advertisement and Perceptions' written by Binoy Ghosh, a Sociologist.

Participants at the meeting talked about the adverse effect of some commercial advertisements on the T.V. and in the newspapers and cautioned everybody present to remain alert about such advertisements causing moral confusion and ambivalence.

30 March 2004

Independence Day Observed in Mymensingh and Tangail
A discussion meeting titled 'Bangladesher Swadhinota: Attya Shamikhkha (The Independence of Bangladesh: A Self Scrutiny)' was held on 24 March 2004 in Mymensingh. The program was organized by the Volunteers' Group of TIB's Mymensingh zone. Mr. Habibur Rahman Noman, a volunteer, presented the keynote-paper as resource person while eminent journalist and a member of CCC Mr. Momtaz Uddin were present as the Chief Guest. Mr. Hazi Shah Abdullahey Mannan, a local High School teacher and TIB's Program Assistant Karuna Kishore Chakravorty also addressed the function. Later, the volunteers took part in an open-discussion session. They expressed their willingness to learn the true history of the liberation war and called upon the Government to initiate measures to open a website regarding the war of independence. A cultural program followed the discussion.

At Modhupur of Tangail district, the CCC and the Volunteers' Group jointly brought out a wall-magazine 'Chatona' in observance of the Independence and National Day. The beautifully illustrated magazine carried articles, poems, short stories on various aspects of the liberation war and also some jokes against corruption.

People's Theatre: Laal Shobujer Deshey staged in Mymensingh
TIB's People's Theatre Group in collaboration with Mymensing's CCC office staged their second production 'Laal Shobujer Deshey' on March 26, 2004 at the Khagdohor Hossain Memorial High School premises. TIB's Senior Program Officer (Advocacy) and eminent actress Rokeya Prachy and Program Assistant Karuna Kishore Chakravorty introduced the program. The audience, comprising of more than 700 spectators including the local Union Parishad Chairman Wakiluddin Ahmed, enjoyed the show. 'Laal Shobujer Deshey' is a portrayal of the corruptions that prevail in various sectors of social life like police, lower judiciary, education and health. It also attempted to unveil the corrupt nature of some politicians. Those who performed in the play included Tridib, Apu, Rusho, Mahbub, Molina, Naser, Partha, Shajib, Mosharraf and Goutam.

DFID delegation meets TIB's Volunteers' and People's Theatre Groups
A joint meeting of the Mymensingh's CCC, TIB's Volunteers' and People's Theatre Groups and DFID delegation was held on March 28, 2004. Ms. Sarah White, Ms. Ena Miles, Ms. B Parks and Ms. Tasnim represented the DFID team while Mr. Ekram Hossain, Ms. Shamapika Haldar and Mr. Karuna Kishore Chakravorty represented TIB. The meeting started with Mr. Karuna Kishore Chakravorty briefing the DFID delegation, in details, about the Volunteers' and People's Theatre Groups and its various activities. The delegation asked questions to the members regarding their successes, future plans and problems. A lively cultural program was also arranged after the meeting. Around 40 members were present.

DFID team visits Modhupur
On 30 March 2004, DFID's Governance Advisor Ms. B Parks along with some TIB officials visited the CCC office in Modhupur area and spent the whole day there. The team held talks with different groups of people including Upazilla Assistant Commissioner (Land), Local Upazilla Education Officer, officers of a local NGO 'Nijera Kori', the tribal groups of Jalchatra area, local teachers and members of the civil society. TIB's Program Officer Mr. Ekram Hossain, Program Assistant Karuna Kishore Chakravorty and local CCC Covener Professor Golam Samdani were present. Ms. Parks also held talks with around 50 local people from different professions about anti-corruption activities, its outcome and its future plans as to how to curb and control it.

15 March 2004

Round-Table Discussion on Police Stations
A round table discussion on Diagnostic Study on Police Stations was held on 4 March under the auspices of TIB, prompting leading civil society members to call for immediate reforms of the police force. Held at the capital's CIRDAP Auditorium, the report was presented by the TIB Director Dr. Iftekhar Hossain and Research Associate Md. Abdul Alim.

About 98.5 percent residents of metropolises and vast majority at district and upazila levels are equally dissatisfied with the service of police, the report revealed. Police should be at the service of people and act as a friend and service provider, but the law-enforcers have now emerged as "repressors, corrupt, human rights violators", it added.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, speakers sought a proactive role of the civil society to make police efficient. They expressed concern over the 'over-performance' of the police, who they said usually did not perform according to the law.

Presided over by TIB Chairman Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain, Prof Muzaffar Ahmed, Member, TIB Board of Trustees, Former law minister Abdul Matin Khasru, Ruling BNP legislator Abdul Mannan, Opposition Chief Whip Abdus Shaheed, Awami League Whip Faruk Khan, former cabinet secretary Mojibul Houqe, former secretary Dr Shawkat Ali and former inspector general of police Golam Kibria, among others took part in the discussion.

The study suggested reforms in the 1861 police regulation act, to raise the salaries of policemen, recruit adequate police, end the use of police for political purposes, activate the monitoring system and providing them with modern equipment and introduce a computerized data processing system.

Volunteers' Meeting
A TIB volunteers' meeting was held at the Mymensingh CCC office on 10 March. The theme of the meeting was "Women's Rights in Bangladesh". Advocate Rokeya Begum, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Mymensingh unit was present as chief guest. Member of CCC Mymensingh Kanij Gofrani Koraishi (Kanti) and Niamul Kabir Sajal were present as special guests. Thirty volunteers spontaneously discussed the issue and expressed their interest to work alongside TIB. A cultural program was also arranged at the end of meeting. A similar meeting was held at Community Development Library (CDL) of Nalitabari on 8 March. Convenor of CCC Nalitabari M A Hakam Hira presided over the meeting.

30 February 2004

TIB Chairman's Statement on Anti-corruption Commission Act 2004
On 17 February, few hours ahead of the passage of the Anti-corruption Commission Bill 2004 into law, TIB organized a press conference in its office. TIB expressed its opinion that the bill did not provide for an independent anti-corruption commission as demanded by civil society. As it will not enjoy any financial privilege in the way the Election Commission and the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General does, its activities will be affected. Professor Murshid said. "It will become a submissive and ineffective body like the Bureau of Anti-Corruption." TIB Chairman feared that the government might influence appointment of the commissioners, as the bill did not have any provision for inclusion of a representative from the opposition in the selection panel.

However, later Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid commended the good sense of the government in dropping the provision exempting government officials from prosecution without previous sanction of the government, which makes for a significant qualitative change in the law finally enacted.

Three journalists Receive Investigative Journalism Award
TIB awarded the Investigative Journalism Award -2003 to three journalists of the print media for their effort in exposing corruption through investigative reports. This award was announced on 29 February. Prizes were distributed among the winners at an unostentatious ceremony held at the Women's Voluntary Association at Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Chairman of TIB chaired the award ceremony. Theotonius Gomez, Assistant Bishop of Dhaka, Poet Shamsur Rahman and TIB trustee Professor Muzaffer Ahmad were present at the occasion.

Senior Reporter of the Daily Janakantha, Sharifuzzaman and Senior Reporter of the Daily Star-Zayadul Ahsan jointly received the first prize. Liton Haider, Staff Reporter, the Daily Bhorer kagoj won the second position.

Zayadul was awarded for his investigative report titled 'Murky way to millions' that brought to light how Titas Gas meter readers become millionaires through rampant corruption. The Daily Star published the series report in May 2002.

Sharifuzzaman received the award for exposing various misleading facts in the textbooks through a series report titled 'Boroder boi Ja Shekhachhey' (what textbook teaches) published in the Janakhantha during January and February 2002.

Liton got the award for his investigative report titled 'Kara Durnitee' exposing corruption, irregularities and mismanagement in the prison. The report was published in Bhorer Kagoj in August 2002.

Both Zayadul and Sharifuzzaman received cheques for Tk. 50,000 each, certificates and crests while Liton got a cheque for Tk. 10,000 with a certificate and a crest.

The panel of judges for the Investigative Journalism Award 2003 comprised journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Dr Asif Nazrul and Dr. Arefin Siddique of Dhaka University, Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain and writer Selina Hossain.

30 January 2004

Focus Group Discussion on Ombudsman
Transparency International Bangladesh has drafted a working paper on Ombudsman in Bangladesh. In this regard a focus group discussion was arranged on 28 January 2004 at TIB office in Gulshan to solicit views and add value to the draft working paper. Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TIB presided over the meeting, while Professor Muzaffer Ahmad highlighted the salient features of the working paper. Golam Rabbani, Former Justice, Appellate Division, Former Deputy Speaker Md Ali Ashraf, Abdul Mannan MP, Former IGP Abdul Khaleque, Joint Editor of Prothom Alo Abdul Quayum, Professor A T M Obaidullah among others were present at the meeting. Dr. Asif Nazrul, Consultant, TIB and Shamaila Mahbub, Research Associate of TIB were also present during the discussion.

15 January 2004

Workshop
A workshop on Encouraging Volunteers towards Anti-Corruption Movement was held at the Bhawal National Park in Gazipur on 15 January. Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TIB, Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, Member, Board of Trustees, programme officials of TIB and around two hundred volunteers were present at the workshop. TIB Chairman inaugurated the program. TIB volunteer and a student of Dhaka University Tanim Nawshad presented the keynote paper titled Qualities of a Good Leader. Programme Officer of TIB Ekram Hossain facilitated the workshop.

Meeting with the President of Chittagong Chamber
TIB Research Officer Sydur Rahman Molla had a meeting with the President of Chittagong Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) on 12 January. The meeting was held at chambers office. Discussions regarding difficulties of port took place at the meeting. The President gave assurance of all-out cooperation in this regard.

15 December 2003

Study circle Reports Released
TIB and Madhupur CCC have jointly organized a meeting for launching reports on study circle discussions on Transparency and Accountability in Primary Education and Primary Health Service. The meeting was held on 11 December at Rani Bhabani Pilot High school premises of Madhupur in Tangail followed by an anti-corruption procession.

Presided over by the local CCC Convener Professor Md. Golam Samdani, Chairman of TIB Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid was present as chief guest at the meeting. In his speech, TIB Chairman said that corruption is the main obstacle to development. He further added that curbing corruption should be given the first priority if the image of the country is to be salvaged. He urged to make a coordinated effort to fight corruption.

Resident Director of National Democratic Institute (NDI) Dr. Owen Lippert and Principal Sekander Hiat were present as special guests. Besides, Abdul Momen Program Coordinator of NDI, Ekram Hossain, Program Officer of TIB, local politicians Bappu Siddiqui and Nurul Islam Raj. Samapika Halder Program Associate of TIB among others spoke on the occasion.

December 9th, henceforth International Anti-Corruption Day
The UN Convention against Corruption, was signed on 9 December in Merida, Mexico, is a milestone for global efforts to combat graft, says Transparency International. The Convention's signing ceremony on December 9th, recently designated International Anti-Corruption Day by the UN General Assembly, is the result of a three-year effort by 129 countries to take global action against corruption.

"The Convention will provide a comprehensive set of standards and measures to promote international co-operation and domestic efforts in the fight to prevent corruption," said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International, was speaking in Merida on 8th December. "The Convention addresses glaring inadequacies in two of the most critical tools for combating international corruption: mutual legal assistance and repatriation of funds sent abroad by corrupt officials," Eigen said.

Over the three years of negotiations, the UN Convention was watered down in other ways: an important article which required state parties to make the funding of political parties transparent and accountable was replaced by a weak optional provision. A provision calling on states to criminalize bribery in the private sector was made non-mandatory. Still, the inclusion of private sector corruption in the text at least made clear that corporate corruption is of major concern globally.

TI welcomes the inclusion in the UN General Assembly resolution to adopt the Convention, of a decision to designate December 9th as the annual International Anti-Corruption Day.

People's Theatre
Two performances of the people's theatre play 'Asiraner Bangladesh' were staged on 9 December at Kali Bazar and at Satrsia Bazar of Mymensingh. An audience of around seven hundred spectators enjoyed the show.

'Relief' was staged in two separate locations on 10 December at Kakarkandi bazar and Adaiani bazar of Nalitabari. Staged by the Nalitabari People's Theatre Group of TIB, this play depicted the irregularities, mismanagement and corruption in relief distribution in the country. Around six hundred spectators enjoyed these two shows.

30 November 2003

Report on Nalitabari Health Complex
Pregnant women have to pay for their maternity care and treatment at the Nalitabari Upazila Health Complex in Sherpur district. This was revealed in a research report compiled by CCC Nalitabari and TIB. The report stated that the general patients become victims of neglect by the doctors as they remain busy with their private practice. The report was formally released on November 20 through a discussion meeting at the Nalitabari CCC office.

M A Hakam Hira, Convenor of CCC, presided over the meeting. AZM Zohurul Islam, civil surgeon of Sherpur, Nazmul Hassan Khan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Habibullah Siddique, Health Officer, Ekram Hossain, Programme Officer of TIB, Samedul Islam Talukder, Kiron Dutta and Kohinoor Ruma, Members of CCC, journalists, public representatives, and officials of non-government organizations were present.

The report stated that the doctors care little for the patients unless they pay money. They examine only the well-off patients, ignoring the poor ones. The staffs of the hospital take money to undertake few pathological tests though those were supposed to be free of cost, the report revealed. The outdoors of the complex is dirty and full of bad smell. Patients are also forced to pay for minor operation while there is no operation theatre for major surgery. The research was conducted at the end of last year in the form of group discussion and the researchers posing as patients also collected information.

30 October 2003

CPI Released
Bangladesh was placed at the bottom of the list in the new Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2003 of Transparency International, out of a total of 133 countries which was released in London on October 7. Bangladesh was rated 1.3 on a scale of 10 while Nigeria was rated as the second most corrupt country scoring 1.4. Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan were placed well above Bangladesh with 3.4, 2.8 and 2.5 index scores. Finland topped the CPI list with 9.7 marks, making it a 'highly clean' country. Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden and Singapore all had CPI scores above 9.

"Rich countries must provide practical support to governments of the developing country that demonstrate the political will to curb corruption. In addition, those countries starting with a high degree of corruption should not be penalized, since they are in the most urgent need of support" said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), speaking on the launch of the CPI.

The CPI 2003 published, is a poll of polls, reflecting the perceptions of business people, academics and risk analysts, both resident and non-resident. First launched in 1995, this year's CPI draws on 17 surveys from 13 independent institutions. A rolling survey of polls taken between 2001 and 2003, the CPI 2003 includes only those countries that feature in at least three surveys. "It is important to emphasize that the CPI, even with 133 countries, is only a snapshot," said Peter Eigen. "There is not sufficient data on other countries, many of which are likely to be very corrupt."
For full details of the CPI 2003, visit

http://www.transparency.org/cpi/index.html#cpi

Workshop on Report Card
A workshop on report card for land administration, municipality and union parishad was held at the Training and Research Center (TARC) of BRAC at Madhupur from 30 September to 02 October. Field Assistants and Field Supervisors of TIB were present at the workshop. TIB's Research Officer Sydur Rahman Molla facilitated the workshop. TIB officials Ekram Hossain, Habibur Rahman Chowdhury, Karuna Kishore Chakrabarty, Al-Amin, Mohsin and Rafiqul Islam were present as the resource persons.

People's Theatre Acclaimed by Rajshahi Audience
Around a thousand spectators assembled at the folklore premises of Rajshahi University to enjoy the presentation of an anti-corruption play Relief staged by the Nalitabari People's Theatre of TIB on 15 October. The people's Theatre received adulation of the spectators by performing both at Court premises and at Shaheb Bazar of Rajshahi. 'Friends of TIB' organized the program.

TIB officials and the artistes of the theatre group sat at a meeting with the student and teachers of Folklore Department of Chittagong University on 15 October to exchange views. Held at the department auditorium, discussions were held during the meeting on future cooperation in addition to sharing experiences. Folklore Department gave assurance of all-out cooperation in this regard. Dr. Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Dr. Mobara Siddika and Dr. Akther Hossain of Folklore Department, Outreach Relations Officer of TIB Mohammad Imam Uddin, Coordinator Theatre Kamal Hossain Mintu, and member of CCC Nalitabari Samedul Islam Talukder were also present.

Advocacy Meeting in Mymensingh
An advocacy meeting was arranged by CCC (Mymensingh) at the office of Upazila Education Officer on 14 October for discouraging corruption in primary education. Upazila Education Officer Shafiqul Islam, CCC members Prof. Zatin Sarker, Sharifuzzaman Parag and Program Assistant of TIB Karuna Kishore Chakrabarty were present at the meeting.

15 October 2003

CPI Released
Bangladesh was placed at the bottom of the list in the new Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2003 of Transparency International, out of a total of 133 countries which was released in London on October 7. Bangladesh was rated 1.3 on a scale of 10 while Nigeria was rated as the second most corrupt country scoring 1.4. Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan were placed well above Bangladesh with 3.4, 2.8 and 2.5 index scores. Finland topped the CPI list with 9.7 marks, making it a 'highly clean' country. Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden and Singapore all had CPI scores above 9.

"Rich countries must provide practical support to governments of the developing country that demonstrate the political will to curb corruption. In addition, those countries starting with a high degree of corruption should not be penalized, since they are in the most urgent need of support" said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), speaking on the launch of the CPI.

The CPI 2003 published, is a poll of polls, reflecting the perceptions of business people, academics and risk analysts, both resident and non-resident. First launched in 1995, this year's CPI draws on 17 surveys from 13 independent institutions. A rolling survey of polls taken between 2001 and 2003, the CPI 2003 includes only those countries that feature in at least three surveys. "It is important to emphasize that the CPI, even with 133 countries, is only a snapshot," said Peter Eigen. "There is not sufficient data on other countries, many of which are likely to be very corrupt."
For full details of the CPI 2003, visit

http://www.transparency.org/cpi/index.html#cpi

Workshop on Report Card
A workshop on report card for land administration, municipality and union parishad was held at the Training and Research Center (TARC) of BRAC at Madhupur from 30 September to 02 October. Field Assistants and Field Supervisors of TIB were present at the workshop. TIB's Research Officer Sydur Rahman Molla facilitated the workshop. TIB officials Ekram Hossain, Habibur Rahman Chowdhury, Karuna Kishore Chakrabarty, Al-Amin, Mohsin and Rafiqul Islam were present as the resource persons.

People's Theatre Acclaimed by Rajshahi Audience
Around a thousand spectators assembled at the folklore premises of Rajshahi University to enjoy the presentation of an anti-corruption play Relief staged by the Nalitabari People's Theatre of TIB on 15 October. The people's Theatre received adulation of the spectators by performing both at Court premises and at Shaheb Bazar of Rajshahi. 'Friends of TIB' organized the program.

TIB officials and the artistes of the theatre group sat at a meeting with the student and teachers of Folklore Department of Chittagong University on 15 October to exchange views. Held at the department auditorium, discussions were held during the meeting on future cooperation in addition to sharing experiences. Folklore Department gave assurance of all-out cooperation in this regard. Dr. Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Dr. Mobara Siddika and Dr. Akther Hossain of Folklore Department, Outreach Relations Officer of TIB Mohammad Imam Uddin, Coordinator Theatre Kamal Hossain Mintu, and member of CCC Nalitabari Samedul Islam Talukder were also present.

Advocacy Meeting in Mymensingh
An advocacy meeting was arranged by CCC (Mymensingh) at the office of Upazila Education Officer on 14 October for discouraging corruption in primary education. Upazila Education Officer Shafiqul Islam, CCC members Prof. Zatin Sarker, Sharifuzzaman Parag and Program Assistant of TIB Karuna Kishore Chakrabarty were present at the meeting.

30 September 2003

Corruption Database: Loss of Taka 576.58 crore due to 216 incidents of corruption
It has been found from the newspaper-based report 'Corruption Database' of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) that a total of 874 corruption-related reports were published in the 21 newspapers between January and June 2003. 216 of these reports had mentioned about financial losses of the government. Of these, the amount of losses could be gathered in 216 of these incidents. The financial loss to the government due to these incidents stood at taka 5 hundred 76 crore 58 lakh 82 thousand 809.

Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Chairman TIB and Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, Member of the TIB Board of Trustees presented the report at a press conference held at the National Press Club on 29 September. Abdul Alim, Research Associate and other TIB officials were also present at the occasion.

The police department as in the past topped again the list in terms of the number of corruption cases, but the taxation department outclassed all in terms of amount of money. 37.3% took place in the field of direct and indirect taxes. Other than the police (22.4%) and taxation departments, education (12.9%), local government (10.1%) and health and family welfare (6.6%) were also found to be the most corrupt departments. Corruption took place in the forms of abuse of power, plundering and bribery.

In the recommendation section, the Corruption Database Report says that the political commitment is a must for stamping out corruption. It suggested appointment of Ombudsmen, separation of the judiciary from the executive and establishment of effective anti-corruption commission. It also recommended for ensuring exemplary punishment to the corrupt officials, finding out the reasons of corruption and creation of a social movement against the evil practice. BBC Bengali Service made coverage on the findings of the Corruption Database report. Most of the national dailies extensively covered the findings of the report on the following day.

People's Theatre: 'Asiraner Bangladesh'
The picture of corruption in the major sectors of the country is now being projected through drama. This drama 'Asiraner Bangladesh' is the second production of the Muktagacha CCC of TIB's People's Theatre group. It has attempted to portray the nature of corruption that prevails in politics, administration, police, education, health, lower judiciary and other domains of the country.
The play was inaugurated on 18 September. Held at the Poura Pathagar Muktamanch of Muktagacha, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Muktagacha Faruque Alam graced the occasion as chief guest. A thousand spectators belonging to various classes and professions, cultural personalities of the town, journalists, doctors, lawyers, teachers and students were present during this premier show. Jewel Kabir Akash produced the script of the play as well as directed it. TIB's peoples' theatre Coordinator Kamal Hossain Mintu assisted in the overall management.

The anti-corruption people's theatre 'Asiraner Bangladesh' was also staged at the Rani Bhabani high school compound of Modhupur. Around 900 audiences enjoyed the show. Those who performed in the drama included Akhi, Bithi, Suman, Rana, Milon, Rasel, Rana, Rabbani, Sajib and Liton.

Workshop on report card
A workshop on report card for land administration, municipality and union parishad was held at the Training and Research Center (TARC) of BRAC at Madhupur on 21-22 September. Field organizers and programme officials of TIB were present at the workshop. Research Officer Sydur Rahman Molla and Programme Officer Ekram Hossain of TIB facilitated the workshop. The prime objective of the workshop was to identify the priorities on report card survey.

A similar workshop was held at TIB's Advice and Information Center of Mymensingh on 26 September. Around 18 members of various CCC were present at the workshop. Research Officer Sydur Rahman and Programme Officer Ekram Hossain of TIB were present as the facilitators.

15 September 2003

Roundtable Discussion on IACC
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organized a roundtable discussion on the proposed independent Anti-Corruption commission on 9 September at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city. The roundtable was addressed by a good number of intellectuals, bureaucrats, civil society representatives, political leaders, lawyers, journalists and people from other strata of society.

Chaired by Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, Member of the TIB Trustee Board, former Chief Justice Mostafa Kamal said the country would have no need of setting up an Anti-Corruption Commission had the parliamentary system been effective. "The public accounts committee is enough to curb corruption. But it is our collective failure that the country has had no effective Parliament since 1935," he said.

The roundtable was also addressed by eminent lawyer Dr Kamal Hossain, noted economist Prof Rehman Sobhan, Suranjit Sengupta MP, Caretaker Government Advisors M. Hafiz Uddin Khan, S M Shahjahan and Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury Dr Kazi Kholiquzzaman, president of Bangladesh Economics Association, renowned economist Dr Atiur Rahman, Prof M M Akash of Dhaka University, Dr. Mohabbat Khan member of Public Service Commission, Legal experts Dr. Shahdeen Malik, and Dr Asif Nazrul, former lawmaker Tasmima Hossain, former Comptroller and Auditor General Syed Yusuf Hossain, former Principal Secretary S.A. Samad, journalists Mr. Muhammad Jahangir and Muzzamel Hossain, former DG of Bureau of Anti Corruption M Badiuzzaman, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, among others. Programme Officer of TIB Ekram Hossain presented a paper on its views on behalf of the organization.

TIB said its views that the much-awaited bill aimed at establishing an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission in the country was placed in the Parliament on 10 July 2003. It is now in the public domain and awaiting passage into law. Considering its critical importance to governance and development of the country, it is imperative to take a hard look at the proposed bill..The mass media of the country, gave wide coverage to TIB's roundtable discussion. Editorials were published on the subsequent days in leading newspapers.

People's Theatre
TIB & CCC Kishoreganj organized two performances of the people's theatre play Relief on 3 September at Rangmahal cinema hall premises and at Rail station of Kishoreganj. Staged by the Nalitabari People's Theatre Group of TIB, this play depicted the irregularities, mismanagement and corruption in relief distribution in the country. An audience of around fifteen hundred spectators enjoyed the two shows.

TIB & CCC Mymensingh organized two performances of the peoples theatre play Lal Sabujer Deshey on 7 and 9 September at Gandrapa and Sutiakhali of Mymensingh. Over a thousand spectators belonging to various classes and professions were present during the two shows.

Advocacy Meting
An advocacy meeting with the Upazilla Education Committee was arranged by Nalitabari CCC at its office on 11 September for discussing corruption in primary education. Convenor of CCC M A Hakam Hira presided over the meeting. Headmasters and teachers of primary schools, CCC members and upazilla education officials were present at the meeting.

Study Circle
TIB has