News bulletins

16 Oct 2005- Feb 2006

TI’s Perception Index
For the fifth time in a row Bangladesh has topped the list of countries in terms of perception of prevalence of corruption according to the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International.  The CPI 2005 was published on 18 October 2005. A total of 159 countries have been included in this year’s index. In terms of points, scoring the least, 1.7 alongside Chad of Africa in a scale of 0-10, Bangladesh occupied 158th position. This index was released internationally from London on 18 October. Among others, TIB Executive Director participated at the launch.
In Bangladesh, CPI was released at a press conference in Dhaka. Member of the TIB Board of Trustees Professor Muzaffer Ahmad was present. In his statement Professor Ahmad said that the CPI did not indicate that the entire population of Bangladesh was corrupt, rather it indicated the political and administrative corruptions that existed in the country. The general people of Bangladesh were only victims of corruption, he further added.

TI Survey: Political Parties Are Most Corrupt

The political parties are the most corrupt institute in the world. Transparency International (TI) released this finding from London on 9 December on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day. TI conducted this survey for two years among 55 thousand people of 69 countries around the globe. Respondents from 45 countries in the survey placed the political parties on top in the list of corrupt entities for the second year in a row. The parliament or legislature, the police and legal system/judiciary were ranked below political parties by this TI Study titled ‘Global Corruption Barometer 2005’. According to another TI Study titled ‘Stealing the Future: Corruption in the Classroom’, education had been particularly mentioned as a corrupt sector. The study said, the extensions of corruption in the education arena became acute. As a result, disastrous consequences were likely for the pupils of affected countries.

Commenting on the findings of these two surveys, TI Chairperson Huguette Labelle said, “Corruption is the principal problem of our times. The impact of corruption on poor is most terrifying. If the people become frustrated on the issue, then it would not be possible to do anything for curbing corruption. The findings of the survey are a warning for the people that there is a need for changes. But leadership, willpower and influence are needed for changes to take place, she added.  According to the participants of the survey of 48 countries, corruption has increased over the past three years. Citizens of 12 countries think that corruption could be diminished while citizens of 34 countries are disillusioned due to deterioration of the situation.”

Transition in Transparency International

Huguette Labelle, a respected Canadian with a broad background in development issues, has been elected Chair of Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption. She replaces Dr. Peter Eigen, who founded the TI movement and has served with distinction throughout the organisation’s 12-year history. Eigen will assume the Chair of Transparency International’s Advisory Council. In his new position Dr. Eigen replaces Dr. Kamal Hossain of Bangladesh who has stepped down, but will continue to be an advisor. Huguette Labelle has served in a variety of public offices, including the president of the Canadian International Development Agency, Vice-Chair of the World Health Organisation’s Working Group on Health and Development Policies, Deputy Minister of Transport, and Chairman of the Public Service Commission of Canada. Labelle was elected on 13 November, 2005 by the Annual Meeting of Transparency International’s nearly one hundred chapters and contact groups around the world. Barrister Akere T. Muna, the founder and president of Transparency International Cameroon, was elected Vice Chair of Transparency International.

Forum of Investigative Journalists

TIB has been encouraging investigative journalism to reveal incidents of corruption from its inception. TIB believes that the joint efforts of investigative journalists and TIB itself can have a positive impact in reducing the magnitude of corruption in the country. This is one of the reasons TIB introduced its Investigative Journalism Award through which it awards investigative reports published/aired in newspapers and on TV channels. TIB held a meeting with the Journalists who were so far awarded TIB’s Investigative Journalism Awards to explore the idea of forming a Forum of Investigative Journalists of Bangladesh (FIJB). The meeting was organized on December 4, 2005 at TIB’s office in Dhaka. It was decided that the awarded journalists would take follow-up efforts with the support of TIB to form the proposed forum as soon as possible.

International Anti-Corruption Day – 2005 Observed

TIB observed the 2nd International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2005 across the country with various programs. These programs included a national seminar in Dhaka, cultural program, national debate and essay competitions, rallies, publication of poster and sticker etc. Besides, special programs were arranged in CCC areas.
National Seminar in Dhaka: A national seminar on ‘Corruption and Human Insecurity in Bangladesh’ was held at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club on 9 December on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day. Conducted by the eminent economist and member of TIB Trustee Board Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, the keynote paper of the seminar was presented by the TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman (see the full text of the paper link). Those present as discussants at the seminar included former Adviser of the caretaker government and TIB Trustee M Hafizuddin Khan, former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury MP, Chairman of the Department of Development Studies of Dhaka University Dr. Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism of the same university Dr. Golam Rahman, Director, Research of BIISS Dr. AKM Abdus Sabur and the Executive Director of ‘Nijera Kori’ Khushi Kabir.
The speakers stated that the present government has not yet implemented its pledge of signing the Anti-Corruption Convention. The Anti-Corruption Commission is inactive even after formation. As a consequence, although anti-corruption institutions have been put in place, they cannot play any role due to lack of political goodwill. The speakers emphasized the need for firm political commitment as a pre-requisite for curbing corruption.

Professor Muzaffer Ahmad said, although the government talked about various measures for tackling corruption, it considered those who spoke against corruption as adversaries. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, it was a misfortune for the nation that we could not yet set up transparent, accountable and independent institutions for curbing corruption. Even the apex institutions of parliament and parliamentary committees are not sufficiently effective. Members of the civil society including politicians, teachers, journalists, lawyers, students, high officials from government, non-government and donor agencies were present at the seminar.
After the seminar, prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners of essay and debate competitions organized to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day.

Cultural Program in Dhaka: A cultural program was arranged at the auditorium of the National Press Club on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day. Three plays were staged at the program by TIB’s people’s theatre groups of Mymensingh, Muktagachha and Nalitabari titled ‘Durniti Express’, ‘Durnitir Chobal’ and ‘Durnitir Shimanay’ respectively. Besides, cultural groups from Nalitabari, Chapainawabganj and ‘Rupantar’ of Khulna presented traditional folksongs called ‘Palagaan’, ‘Gambhira’ and ‘Pot-Song’ respectively. TIB also produced a special TV Talk programs in collaboration with a local satellite channel NTV. 

Anti-Corruption Day in CCC areas

Various programs were arranged in the CCC areas to observe the International Anti-Corruption Day. Seminars were arranged in Chittagong and Jessore. Besides, discussion meetings were held at different CCCs i.e. Kushtia, Chapainawabganj, Natore, Sylhet City, Sunamganj, Jhalakathi, Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Brahmanbaria, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Muktagacha, Modhupur, and Nalitabari. Special rallies were held in CCC areas of Kushtia, Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi City, Natore, Sunamganj, Sreemongal, Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Brahmanbaria, Comilla, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Muktagacha, Modhupur and Nalitabari. In Natore, CCC members formed a human chain to observe IACD 2005.

In Muktagacha, Nalitabari, Modhupur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Jessore, Sylhet City, Sunamganj, Sreemongal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Chittagong City, Comilla, Brahmanbaria, Chapainawabganj, Natore, Rangpur, Kurigram, Rajshahi City and Lalmonirhat CCC areas, poster campaigns were launched. It is to be mentioned that TIB published a special poster and two different types of stickers to observe the IACD 2005. A flyer was also distributed through newspapers in Dhaka.

Essay Competition: A National Essay Competition for the students was arranged by TIB to observe the IACD. This competition was held in three categories i.e. school, college and university. A TIB nominated jury panel evaluated the entries and made their judgments. Essay competitions were also arranged in Chapainawabganj and Jamalpur CCC areas.
 
Debate Competition : An anti-corruption national debate competition was arranged for the first time by TIB to mark the IACD. A total of 36 debating teams from various universities of the country took part in the competition. In the final round of the competition, Ruquayah Hall of Dhaka University became champion by beating the Law Deaprtment of the same university. It is to be mentioned that TIB introduced its debate campaign as a part of its ongoing Youth Engagement Program. The main objective of this program is to involve the youths in TIB’s anti-corruption movement. Debate competitions were also held in Natore, Chapainawabganj, Jamalpur, and Kishoreganj CCC areas to observe the IACD.

Leaflet & Sticker Distribution: CCCs in Muktagacha, Nalitabari, Modhupur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Jessore, Sylhet City, Sunamganj, Srimangal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Chittagong City, Comilla, Brahmanbaria, Chapainawabganj, Natore, Rangpur, Kurigram, Rajshahi City, Lalmonirhat and Barisal City areas distributed leaflets and stickers to mark the IACD 2005.

TV Talk Show

Moderated by media personality Muhammad Jahangir, TV Talk Show ‘GrameenPhone Teleshomoy’ was telecast on 6 January 2006 on Channel-i. “Fighting Corruption at the Local Level: The Role of Civil Society” was the topic of the program. Convener of CCC-Kurigram Advocate A T M Enamul Haque Chan, Member of the CCC-Jamalpur Advocate Shamim Ara and the Executive Director of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman were present as discussants. While discussing about corruption the discussants said that corruptions which had taken place at the local level were always considered as local problems and therefore little efforts were made to address this problem. However, it worsened the problems of corruption, the discussants said, and the daily lives of people disrupted. While discussing about the role of civil society in combating corruption at the local level, the discussants said that the citizens could play the role of catalyst in this regard. The public organizations, especially the political parties could play the key role. To fight corruption, citizens at the local level and various govt. organizations must come together to raise awareness against corruption, it was also observed.

International Mother’s Language Day (Ekhushey February) Observed

TIB observed the International Mother’s Language Day on February 21 with different programs. A sticker campaign was launched and a press advert was published in a leading daily newspaper. Greetings cards were distributed among Ministers, Parliament Members, Political leaders, Government officials and Civil Society members. The staff members of TIB distributed stickers at the Bangla Academy Book Fair premises published to mark the day. TIB also arranged a rally on the day and placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. The Executive Director and other staff members took part in the rally with their families and friends.

Annual Member’s Meeting – 2005 

The Annual Member’s Meeting of TIB Members was held on 20 January 2006 at the Banquet Hall of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Dhaka. The meeting was attended by 62 members and 40 TIB staff members. Members of the Board of Trustees - Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, Mr. M. Hafizuddin Khan and Ms. Sayyada Ruhi Ghaznavi also attended the meeting. The Executive Director of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman moderated the program. During the program separate presentations were made on the four main streams of on-going activities of TIB – Research, Programme (CCCs), Advocacy and Institutional Strengthening.  Following these presentations members took part actively in the open forum during which questions were raised and comments made on the presentations. Members also made many useful proposals/suggestions with regard to on-going and possible future activities of TIB. The meeting unanimously decided to sign a summary version of the TIB Code of Ethics, similar to the one signed by TIB staff, which is also applicable to Trustees, CCCs, volunteers, and anyone else involved with TIB.

CCC Activity  

Report Card Survey

TIB conducts report card surveys through its CCCs to ensure transparency and accountability of various services provided at the local levels by the government. Another purpose of this survey is to raise awareness against corruption. Recently, TIB released several Report Card Surveys on healthcare services in some CCC areas. It shows the dismal state of healthcare services in government hospitals.

Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Natore: TIB and CCC-Rajshahi released the ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ on the healthcare services within Rajshahi city on 25 October. The report was released through a press conference held at the CCC office. On the other hand, the ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ on Chapainawabganj Sadar was released from a press conference held at the Town Club auditorium on 24 October 2005. Organized jointly by TIB and CCC-Chapainawabganj, the survey report was presented at a press conference. The ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ of Natore Sadar upazila was released on 26 October.

Rangpur, Kurigram and Lalmonirhat: The CCC-Rangpur released the ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ on clinical facilities in Rangpur through a press conference held on 27 October. The CCC-Kurigram also released the ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ on healthcare services of Kurigram Sadar Upazila on 30 October. Various irregularities and mismanagement in healthcare services of hospitals located in Lalmonirhat Sadar were depicted in the ‘Report Card Survey-2005’ which was released on 29 October by CCC-Lalmonirhat.

Workshop

CCC-Jamalpur: CCC – Jamalpur organized a workshop on ‘Improvement of quality education’ on 18 October 2005 at Hajipur Govt. Primary School premises. The participants at the seminar said that awareness of the guardians and the percentage of presence of the students had increased because of the activities initiated by TIB.

CCC-Sylhet: A daylong workshop was organized on 26 November at Hotel Sylhet Inn titled ‘Management of Committees of Concerned Citizens’ with the participation of CCCs members from Sylhet, Sunamganj and Sreemongal. The participants at the workshop unanimously expressed the view that corruption in society could be reduced to a large extent through mutual consultations and by availability of correct information. Professor M. Habibur Rahman, Advocate Hossain Toufique Chowdhury, Professor Sayieed Mujeebur Rahman, Advocate Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam et al. presented their views on behalf of the citizens.

Seminar

Seminar on local governance and primary education: The speakers at a seminar on ‘Pro-people local government council: Role of public representatives and citizens’ said, it is not possible to establish good governance if the local government councils fail to turn into pro-people and effective institutions. The seminar, held under the auspices of CCC-Kishoreganj on 24 October at the ‘muktamancha’ of local press club was chaired by eminent lawyer Ashok Sarkar. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Anisuzzaman was the chief guest while the municipal chairman Alhaj Abu Taher Mia was present as the main discussant. Representatives of various citizen groups professions along with TIB official attended the seminar.

Mothers’ Gathering

CCC-Kishoreganj: CCC-Kishoreganj organized a mothers’ gathering at the auditorium of Kishoreganj Boulai Government Primary School on 27 November. The slogan of the gathering was ‘Only a mother can send children to school regularly and make them sit before the table for study’. Attended by over 400 mothers, the best teachers and meritorious students were awarded at the meeting. The CCC members and eminent persons including government officers were present.

Advice and Information Desks (AI-Desks)

To disseminate information and give advice to the people at free of cost, Advice and Information Centre (AI-Desks) of CCCs have started their activity through inception programs in different CCCs. These centers will continue its effort to help establishing state recognized rights by giving information as well as advices to general people, researchers, journalists, students and NGO activists. Anybody can access the AI-Desks free of cost and can avail information i.e. fact sheets, data, statistics, different kinds of books and research reports from here.

The advice and information desks have been set up under the aegis of Muktagacha, Jamalpur, Modhupur, Chapainawabganj and Natore CCCs on 23rd, 28th, 31st, 18th and 20th October respectively. These Desks are situated in the respective CCC offices.

Annual CCC Convention 2005

A two-day annual convention of the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) was held during 21 - 22 December at Koitta, Manikganj. The CCC members during the convention reiterated their demand to the government for signing the international anti-corruption convention and for making the anti-corruption commission independent immediately. More than 100 representatives from 30 CCCs formed in 6 divisions around the country participated in the convention. Conducted by the Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman the CCC Convention was attended among other, by  Chairman of the Trustee Board of TIB Samson H. Chowdhury, Member Professor Khan Sarwar Mursheed, Professor Muzaffar Ahmad, Mahfuz Anam, M Hafizuddin Khan and Sultana Kamal.

Volunteer Activity

CCC-Kurigram: The Volunteer Group of CCC-Kurigram organized an anti-corruption human chain on 17 October 2006 at the local Shapla Square premises. People from various professions including the members of Volunteer Group and People’s Theatre Group participated in this program.

CCC-Natore : The Volunteer Group of CCC-Natore organized an essay competition for the school students on 29 September 2006. Prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition on 20 October by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Aminul Islam. A publicity campaign was conducted by the Volunteer Group of Natore on 10, 12 and 16 October at all public and private organizations located in the district. The aim of this campaign was to motivate the officers, employees so that they did not neglect in their duties and refrain from taking bribes. The volunteers’ group distributed leaflets and posters in government offices with that objective.

CCC-Nalitabari : The Volunteer Group of CCC – Nalitabari arranged a Human Chain Program on 27 October at the main road in front of Nalitabari Upazilla Parishad. The Human Chain was for demanding to strengthen the govt. initiatives to root out the adulterated food and commodities from that region. At the end of it, the participants placed a demand to the local authority for taking proper initiatives in that regard.

CCC-Kishoreganj: The volunteer group of CCC-Kishoreganj affixed posters at important locations of Kishoreganj town on 22 November with the hope of building a corruption-free country. The volunteer group called for a united social movement against corruption by affixing hundreds of posters carrying slogans like ‘Say no to corruption’ and ‘Allow your children to grow in a corruption-free environment’.

Annual Convention - 2005 of volunteer group and people’s theatre group

A two-day annual convention of the volunteer groups and people’s theatre groups was held on 22 and 23 December at Koitta, Manikganj. Participated by 118 volunteers from different parts of the country, the convention looked at ways to further enhance its activities in the coming years. Eminent writer Selina Hossain, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman and officials of TIB took part in the convention.

New CCCs Formed

TIB has been forming Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) at the local levels with the objective of generating anti-corruption awareness and greater demand for transparency and accountability in public and private service sectors and undertaking specific activities to improve service quality in selected public service delivery institutions. TIB has formed such committees in the recent past at Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi and Kushtia with the goal of strengthening the social movement against corruption. The total number of such watchdog forums has now reached 30.

Barisal, Pirojpur Jhalakathi and Kushtia: A 13-member CCC was formed in Barisal City on 28 November with lawyer Muhammad Ismail Hossain Negaban as the convener. An 11-member CCC was formed on 29 November at Pirojpur with Professor Sheikh Saidur Rahman as the convener. A 14-member CCC was formed at Jhalkathi on 29 November with retired teacher Professor Md. Rustam Ali as the convener. Another 16-member Committee of Concerned Citizens had been formed in Kushtia on 30 November at a meeting at the Kushtia Press Club auditorium. Professor Sudin Kumar Lahiri was selected the convener of the committee.

Jhenaidah and Jessore: A 12-member CCC was formed at Jhenaidah under the auspices of TIB on 1 December with Advocate Sheikh Selim as the convener. The 15-member CCC-Jessore was formed on 1 December with Advocate Sheikh Hasan Imam as the convener in a meeting held at a local hotel.

Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chakoria and Patiya: A CCC was formed in Brahmanbaria with Advocate Mohammad Abu Taher as the convener on 4 December. The CCC - Chandpur was formed on 10 December with Professor Monohar Ali as the convener. The CCCs of Chakoria and Patiya under Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong districts were formed on 18 December and 6 December respectively with Engineer Rafiqul Haque and Sagir Mohammad as conveners.

Theatre and Cultural Activity

Durnitir Shimanai Staged: People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Nalitabari staged ‘Durnitir Shimanai’ in different places of Nalitabari. The group staged the drama on 13 and 20November at Bonkura Bazar field and Bonkura Secondary School premises respectively. The group staged another show on 7 December at the Chellakhali Bazar ground.

Ekti Kobor Khorar Itikatha Staged: Newly formed People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Kurigram area staged its new production ‘Ekti Kobor Khorar Itikatha’ at Jogadaha Bazar, Jatrapur Bazar, Panchgachi Bazar and Sulkur Bazar on 7 and 20 January 2006 respectively. People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Rangpur also staged Andhar on 31 December at Zafarganj Govt. Primary School and two more shows on 28 February in 2006 at Paglapir and Burirhat.

16 to 30 September 2005

TV Talk Show

‘Corruption would diminish if the electoral expenses were reduced’ was the title of ‘Grameen Phone Teleshomoy’ telecast live on Channel-i on 16 September. Present in the programme, as discussants were eminent educationist and member of TIB Trustee Board Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh Mujahidul Islam Selim and the Editor of the Daily Samakal Golam Sarwar. Electoral expenditure, corruption and the ways of overcoming corruption from this area were discussed in the show. Some recommendations were put forward during the discussion on reducing the election expenditures, e.g. by disclosing the election manifesto to the people by political parties before the election, so that the mass people can directly place their demands to the politicians. The discussants also put forward on these recommendations e.g. not to give any kind of privileges to the black money owners within the party. On the other hand, to control the election expenditure and to reduce the electoral corruption, the party itself has to control the total expenses in favour of the candidates. Media personality Muhammad Jahangir acted as the moderator in the show.

CCC Activity :

Committee of Concerned Citizens formed in Sylhet City: A 16-member Committee of Concerned Citizens has been formed in Sylhet city under the aegis of TIB on 24 September. This committee would work for curbing corruption and establishing good governance through increasing transparency, accountability and participation of the people in the workings of various service-providing government and private organizations at the local level. The committee was formed at a meeting held at the Hotel Sylhet Inn. Advocate Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam was made the convener of the committee. The Executive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman and TIB Program Director Abu Md. Mohsin and other officials were present at the meeting. A 6-member Advisory Committee was also formed to help the CCC through various types of advice. It may be noted that 13 similar committees have been previously formed and made operational through the initiative of TIB at greater Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Chittagong regions.

Reception of GPA-5 obtainer: TIB initiated Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) has organized reception program to honor the GPA-5 achievers in the secondary examination in different CCC areas. At the program the CCCs gave honorary certificate to the achievers.

Chapainawabganj Sadar: On 17 September CCC-Chapainawabganj Sadar has organized a reception program for the students obtaining GPA-5 in the secondary examination. Chaired by the CCC convener Advocate Saiful Islam Reza, the ex headmaster of Harimohan Govt. High School Mr. Mahtab Uddin was the chief guest at the program. The discussants called the students on to show hatred against corruption and make a pledge to build a corruption free country.

Rajshahi city: A similar reception program was organized on 22 September for the students obtaining GPA-5 at the local Teachers’ Training College auditorium.

Opinion Sharing Meeting - Chapainawabganj Sadar: CCC- Chapainawabganj Sadar has arranged an opinion sharing meeting with the District Primary Education Officer at his office premises. Presided over by the District Primary Education Officer Md. Ekramul Haque, the meeting held on 22 September. Education Officers of five upazillas of Chapainawabganj district, Assistant Education Officer, Headmasters of different schools, leaders from the Teacher’s Union, CCC convener, members and TIB officials were present at the meeting. The discussants called the people on to raise voice against corruption and make the educational institutions free from corruption.

Mothers' Gathering - Jamalpur Sadar: Presided over by the Headmistress of Bangladesh Govt. Primary School Ms. Afreen Jahan, a ‘Mothers’ Gathering’ program titled ‘Role of mothers in improving quality education’ held on 24 September. CCC-Jamalpur Sadar organized this event at the school premises and more than three hundred mothers and guardians of the students of that school took part in it. CCC members and TIB officials were also present at the program. At the end of the program, CCC distributed writing books and pens to the students to encourage them.

Workshop on Gender Issue in Rajshahi City: CCC-Rajshahi City organized a workshop on gender issue at its office on 23 September. About 27 local people from different strata participated in the workshop. Presided over by the CCC convener Advocate Golam Arif Tipu, Professor of Rajshahi University Dr. Shahanara Hossen presented a keynote paper on ‘Women in Corrupt Bangladesh’. In the workshop by group work, the sectors were identified where women are victimized for corruption. Besides, the role of CCC in this connection, increasing social awareness and creating mass awareness through building effective network with the women organizations were also discussed in the workshop.

People’s Theatre Activity :

Durnitir Chobol staged : People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Muktagacha staged ‘Durnitir Chobol’ on 28 September at Rowarchar Bazar field and on 29 September at Lakkhipur Bohumukhi High School premises.

Nalitabari Theatre Group staged Durnitir Shimanay : People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Nalitabari staged ‘Durnitir Shimanay’ on 25 September at Chellakhali Bazar field and on 27 September at Nanni High School premises.

In all of the shows, near about 300 local people enjoyed the shows. After every show the audience expressed their views and welcomed the efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

1 to 15 September 2005

Corruption Database Report 2004 released

One of TIB’s regular research initiatives Corruption Database 2004 was released on September 15, at a press conference in Dhaka.
It was presented by the Tanvir Mahmud who was the principal researcher of this program.

According to the findings of newspaper-based Corruption Database Report 2004, a total of 1754 reports were published on corruption in 36 sectors by the 25 dailies monitored between January and December last year. Of these, 370 incidents resulted in a financial loss of Taka 413 crore 9 lakh 16 thousand. The communication sector topped the list in terms of financial losses, where the amount of financial corruption was Taka 97 crore 82 lakh 30 thousand 568. It accounted for 23.68% of the total financial loss. Financial losses in five sectors, namely communication, taxation, police, environment and forests and NGOs were three-fourths of the total. 17% of the monitored reports were chosen as samples to check their authenticity. The report divided corrupt sectors into four categories, viz. highest, high, medium and low. It showed that the police, education, health and family welfare, local government and rural development, and communication sectors were the most corrupt. Environment and forests, relief and disaster management, finance and the private sector were identified as highly corrupt sectors. Those sectors identified as moderately corrupt were home affairs, agriculture, land, power, NGOs, posts and telecommunication, direct and indirect taxation, water resources, political parties and food. It was seen that incidents of bribery in the police department and misappropriation of money/assets in the local government and rural development sectors were high. It appeared that lack of accountability was the main cause of corruption. Besides, monopoly of power, discretionary power and absence of measures against corruption resulted in increased corruption. The general masses were harmed most (48.2%) by corruption as it continued violating rights and hindering development. It may be mentioned that corruption database is one among many research programmes of TIB. TIB holds the view that the Anti-Corruption Commission should be made active and functional, and separate cells should be set up in all ministries with a central cell at the Prime Minister’s Office for taking action after verification of the newspaper reports on corruption. Besides, appointment of separate Ombudsmen at various institutions, appropriate measures for undertaking research on the causes, trends and remedies of corruption and inclusion of the subject of ethics and honesty in educational curriculum should be ensured for raising awareness against corruption among our future generations. Above all, anti-corruption campaign should be undertaken in all areas with the aid of various publicity media.

TV Commercials

Three more TV Commercials (TVCs) were launched as a part of TIB’s Media Advocacy campaign on September 15. All these commercials portray our country in a positive way. ‘Our cherished land, it’s not merely a dream, it’s achievable’- is the common motto of these TVCs. Attempts have been made to inculcate a positive attitude among the audience rather than show corruption in the three sectors, viz. education, health and police administration.

Workshop on Human Resource Development Manual

A workshop on ‘Human Resource Development Manual’ was organised by TIB on 9 September at a local hotel in Dhaka. A total of 30 TIB officials including the Executive Director participated in this workshop. The workshop was conducted by the Director of BRAC’s training division Dr. Golam Samdani Fakir.

CCC Activity :

Campaign for ensuring quality health service in Kurigram: Volunteer Group of CCC – Kurigram organized an information dissemination campaign for ensuring ‘quality health service’ by increasing transparency, accountability of Kurigram Sadar Hospital. The campaign was held on 14 September before of Sadar Hospital. CCC member Dr. Moudud Hossen said that the aim of this campaign is to protect the people from corruption and fraudulence by disseminating information and to ensure the quality health service of the hospital. Members of CCC Volunteer Group’s and Theatre Group’s and TIb officials were present at the event.

CCC-Chapainawabganj observed ‘International Literacy Day’: On September 8, CCC-Chapainawabganj observed ‘International Literacy Day’. District Commissioner, District Education Officer, District Primary Education Officer, Panel Chairman of the Municipality, CCC Convenor, members, volunteers and other local people participated in the rally and discussion meeting initiated by the district administration. District Commissioner M. Nurul Islam was the chief guest at the discussion meeting.

Reception of GPA-5 recipients: TIB initiated Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) has organized reception program to honor the GPA-5 recipients in the secondary examination in different CCC areas. At the program the CCCs gave honorary certificate to the achievers. CCC-Natore Sadar has organized a reception program on 9 September at the local Sakam auditorium in honour of GPA-5 recipients the secondary examination. Through this reception, the successful students were encouraged to come forward to participate in the movement for ridding the country of corruption. Another reception program was arranged on 13 September by the CCC-Kishoreganj for GPA-5 achievers in the secondary examination. In their reactions, the honored students said that they want a country, which would be free from corruption.

Face the Public - Jamalpur Sadar: A ‘Face the Public’ programme was organised by the CCC-Jamalpur Sadar on 5 September at the Digpait Union Parishad ground of the district. Chaired by the CCC Convener Advocate Mohammad Nazrul Islam Dulu and attended by the Union Parishad Chairman, the programme was held with the objective of ensuring transparency, accountability and development of the union parishad. The union parishad chairman and the local citizens made a joint pledge to work together for overall development of the Digpait union through mutual cooperation.

Nalitabari: To improve the quality service of the Nalitabari Municipality by establishing and enhancing accountability, transparency and people’s participation in the local government activities – CCC Nalitabari arranged a ‘Face the Public’ program. The meeting was held on September 4, at the local Community Development Library (CDL) Auditorium. Presided over by the CCC member Ms. Jobaida Khatun, people from different walks of life were present at the meeting.

Opinion Sharing Meeting - Natore Sadar: An opinion-sharing meeting was held with the District Education Officer at his office on September 4, under the aegis of CCC-Natore for improving the quality of primary education and making the educational institutions free from corruption. Along with Education officials, CCC members and TIB officials were present at the meeting.

People's Theatre Activities

Durnitir Chobol staged: People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Muktagacha staged ‘Durnitir Chobol’ on 15 September at Kashempur union.

Nalitabari Theatre Group staged Durnitir Shimanay: People’s Theatre Group of CCC – Nalitabari staged ‘Durnitir Shimanay’ on 6 September at Tin Ani Bazar field. Besides, the group also staged another show of the same drama at Panchgaon Bazar field on 14 September.

Durnity Express was staged by Mymensingh Theatre Group : People’s Theatre Group of CCC-Mymensingh staged ‘Durnity Express’ on 2 September at Zainul Abedin Park in Mymensingh.

Production-based Workshop of Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Rangpur People’s Theatre Groups: 3 Different Drama Produced. TIB is forming People’s Theatre groups under the Committees of Concerned Citizens for raising awareness at the grassroots level through people’s theatre. TIB organised a 5-day long workshop between 28 August and 1 September for imparting training to the theatre activists on the production of people’s theatre. Thirty-five theatre activists from Rangpur, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram participated in this workshop held at the auditorium of Hotel Abakash in Dhaka.

Eminent theatre personalities like Sara Zaker, Mamunur Rashid and Tariq Anam Khan were present at the workshop on different days. They taught the theatre activists various theoretical and practical aspects of acting. The officials of TIB’s advocacy division acted as the main trainers during the workshop.
During the 5-day long workshop, the Lalmonirhat Theatre Group produced ‘Sarbanasha Teesta’, the Kurigram Theatre Group ‘Ekti Kabar Khorar Itikatha’ and the Rangpur Theatre Group ‘Andharey Dhaaka Amader Shamashya’. After the training, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman distributed certificates among the participants.

16 to 31 August 2005

CCC Activities :

Discussion Meeting held in Rangpur : A discussion meeting was held on August 29 at the local Shishu Academy Auditorium. CCC – Rangpur has organized this meeting on ‘’Improvement of Secondary Education Quality by Establishing Transparency and Accountability”. The keynote paper was presented by CCC member Dr. Shasshoto Bhattacharya. Teachers from different schools and TIB’s officials were present.

Workshop on CCC’s self dependency held in Mymensingh : CCC – Mymensingh organized a workshop on ‘’CCC’s Self Dependency” on August 29. The workshop was held at the Muslim Institute Hall. Presided over by the CCC convenor Prof. Shamsul Islam, among others TIB’s Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Program Director Abu Md. Mohsin were present at the workshop. The key objective of the workshop was to determine the strategies by mobilizing local resources to be self-dependent of CCC. In the workshop, CCC member Prof. Ashrafuzzaman presented the working paper. People from different professions have participated in the workshop.

Opinion Sharing Meeting held in Rangpur : CCC – Rangpur Sadar organized an opinion sharing meeting with the members of Tampat Union Parishad on improving the services of the Parishad. The meeting was held on August 24 at the Parishad’s office premises.

Workshop held in Jamalpur: A day-long workshop was held at the conference room of Jamalpur Pourashabha on August 24. CCC – Jamalpur organized the event titled ‘’The Ways of Enhancing Services Quality of Jamalpur Municipality”. Presided over by the Municipality Chairman Advocate Shah Md. Wares Ali Mamun, the participants identified different problems and suggested means for solving those gradually.

Orientation Program of Volunteer Group: CCC – Chapainawabganj organized an Orientation Program on August 22. The program was held at the CCC – Rajshahi office premises. About 20 volunteers participated in the daylong program. At the same day, Orientation Program of the Volunteer Group of CCC – Natore was held at the same premises. TIB’s Senior Training Officer Riaz Uddin Khan and Program Officer Rafiqul Islam briefed the volunteers about TIB’s Code of Ethics, TIB’s strategies to resist corruption and about voluntarism.

Face the Public held in Nalitabari: CCC – Nalitabari organized a ‘Face the Public’ program on August 21 at the Gohailkandi High School Auditorium in Mymensingh. The aim of the program was to make the local municipal authority transparent and accountable in their duties. Local Ward Commissioners were present at the program and assured the audience that they would try their level best to solve various problems of their areas

Opinion Sharing Meeting in Kishoreganj: Two different opinion sharing meetings were held on the service quality of Choddoshoto and Jashadol union’s Family Welfare Center. These meetings were held between the local people and the concerned authorities. Mentioning dissatisfaction about the local health services, the local people demanded specialist doctors and sufficient medicine for the centers at the meeting.

Presided over by the Chairman of the Choddoshoto Union Parishad AB Siddique Khoka, the first meeting was held on August 21 at Choddoshoto Govt. Primary School. A similar meeting was held at Jashadol Union Parishad Auditorium on August 22, presided over by the Chairman of Jashadol Union Parishad Md. Zahed Mia. CCC – Kishoreganj has organized both meetings.

Workshop on gender issue in Chapainawabganj: CCC – Chapainawabganj Sadar organized a workshop on gender issue on August 18, 2005 at the Kallyani Mohila Sangsad Auditorium. Impacts of corruption on women, increasing participation of women in anti-corruption movement and involvement of women with the CCC were the key discussing issues of the workshop. Women members of the municipality, women lawyers, and teachers from different schools were present.

Opinion Sharing Meeting held in Kishoreganj: CCC – Kishoreganj organized an Opinion Sharing Meeting with a view to improve the quality of health services of Kishoreganj Adhunik Sadar Hospital. The meeting was held on August 17 in presence of the concerned officials as well as local residents. Civil Surgeon of Kishoreganj and president of Bangladesh Medical Association – Kishoreganj, Dr. Md. Syze Uddin was the chief guest. Participants at the meeting discussed on the shortage of medicine, absence of the specialist doctors, pathological services, quality of food and service standard of doctors, nurse, ward-boy and other staff of the hospital.

Mothers’ Gathering held in Modhupur: A Mothers’ Gathering was held in CCC Modhupur on August 16. The program was held with a view to make the mothers more conscious and responsible for ensuring quality education of the primary education system. CCC Modhupur organized the gathering at Ambaria Govt. Primary School premises.

Survey of Volunteers Group: The Volunteers Group of CCC – Chapainawabganj organized a five-day program on ‘’Awareness Raising on Traffic Rules” during 13 to 17 August in that municipal area. Besides, the group conducted a survey on ‘’Traffic Awareness”. Especially, bikers received different tips about traffic rules under this program. The volunteers collected information from 400 motorbike riders during this survey. The Police Administration and local people helped the volunteers in this survey.

People’s Theatre Activities

Nalitabari Theatre Group: The People’s Theatre group of CCC – Nalitabari staged Durnitir Shimanai on August 23 and August 25. On August 23, the theatre group staged the show in front of Laskar Market at Tin Ani Bazar of Nalitabari. CCC - Nalitabari organized this show. More than 300 local people enjoyed the show.

The Nalitabari theatre group staged another show of Durnitir Shimanai on August 25 at Nayabil Bazar.

A large number of local people enjoyed the show. After the show the audience expressed their views and welcomed the efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

1 to 15 August 2005

Roundtable on ‘Corruption & Media'

TIB organized a roundtable on ‘Corruption and Media’ on 4 August at the V.I.P. Lounge of the National Press Club. Eminent journalist Mr. ABM Musa presented the keynote paper. Names of the winners of TIB Investigative Journalism (IJ) Award 2005 were also announced on this occasion. This year, Selim Zahid of the Daily Samakal won the IJ Award in the Print Media category for his report on ‘Bottled Mineral Water’ published in the Daily Inqilab in 2004. Shakil Ahmed of ATN Bangla received the Award in the Electronic Media category for his follow-up report on the August bombing incident which was broadcast on the same channel in 2004. The winners received prize-money of Taka 50,000, certificates and crests. TIB Trustee and Editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam moderated the discussion meeting.

In his presentation, Mr. Musa said that corruption has become uncontrollable though everyone is aware of its presence. It is because the definition of corruption has changed with times and those who are in politics and in government are also accused of being corrupt. And media, in many cases, cannot reveal the stories and the relevant information. The program was followed by a lively discussion session where eminent journalists took part. They praised the role of the media in exposing and fighting corruption in the country and blamed the government for not taking any action against these unveiled cases of corruption. It was observed that the situation would have been worse, had there not been reports on corruption in the media. They also criticised the government for often blasting the media for exposing corruption in the name of tarnishing the image of the country. The extent of corruption in our society is at an alarming level, as a result, the country has been named the most corrupt four consecutive times. Editor of the Bangladesh Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, journalists Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Kajal Siddiqui, Khadiza Begum, Nikhil Chatterjee, Abdur Rouf, T Ali Minto also took part in the discussion. Khan Sarwar Murshid, former chairperson of TIB, stressed the need for interaction between the media and TIB for breaking the "unholy alliance of power, money and corruption".

TIB, on this occasion, released a book on the collection of the media reports that have received TIB Investigative Journalism Awards till date. The book can be purchased at Tk. 200/= from TIB office.

Television Talk Show

“Role of the mass media in curbing corruption” was the title of the Television Talk Show “Teleshomoy”. The show was aired on Channel-i on Friday, 12 August. The program was moderated by Muhammad Jahangir. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, The Bangladesh Observer editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Chairman of the Journalism Department of Dhaka University Dr. Golam Rahman were present to discuss on the topic. The discussants agreed that the mass media has an important role to curb corruption in our country. They also observed that the media itself should not get involved in corruption while disclosing corruption related information.

CCC Activities

Workshop in Kishoreganj: The Committee of Concerned Citizens in Kishoreganj organised a workshop on “Quality of Municipality Services” on August 2, at the local Municipality Auditorium. Local Government, role of the municipality and their duties were some of the issues that were being discussed. Chairman of the municipality Md. Abu Taher Mia and Assistant Land Officer of Kishoreganj Sadar Md. Zakir Hossen were present on the occasion. Member of the CCC Professor Abdul Ghani presented a working paper. The program was moderated by CCC Convenor Advocate Ashok Sarkar.

Muktagacha Theatre Group staged Durnitir Chobol: The People’s Theatre group of CCC – Muktagacha staged Durnitir Chobol on August 9, at the Khamar Bazar High School ground Tarati Union Parishad. More than 300 students and local people enjoyed the show. After the show the audience expressed their views and welcomed the efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

16 to 31 July 2005

CCC Activities

Workshop on gender issue: The Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of the Natore area organized a workshop on ‘Role of Women in Resisting Corruption’ on July 29 at its office premises. Prominent women leader of the locality Ms. Dilara Begum Parul inaugurated the workshop. Participants at the workshop discussed the impact of corruption on women and ways to increase their participation in the social movement against corruption. The discussants also raised the issue that due to the presence of corruption in the state, women had been victimized in all spheres of social life. Shahana Akter Mohua and Dilruba Anik jointly presented a statement on the issue while CCC Convenor Dr. Zakir Talukdar called upon people to work together for resisting corruption.

Workshop on primary education in Kurigram: The CCC of Kurigram area organized a workshop on ‘The improvement of primary education’ on July 27 at its office. Teachers, guardians, School Managing Committee members, Primary Education Officer and journalists were present at the workshop. The participants discussed on raising awareness of the guardians and ensuring transparency and accountability of the School Managing Committee. The workshop was chaired by the member of the CCC A. K. M. Samiul Haq and moderated by another member Shafi Khan.

Seminar in Lalmonirhat; CCC – Lalmonirhat organized a seminar on ‘Impact of corruption in social life’ on July 22. The seminar was held at the Zilla Parishad Auditorium and presided over by the CCC Convenor Md. Moynul Islam. Two different papers were presented at the seminar. Among others, TIB Trustee Prof. Khan Sarwar Murshid, Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman and Program Director Abu Md. Mohsin were present.

Prof. Khan Sarwar Murshid in his speech said that efforts should be made simultaneously from the state, family and the society to curb corruption. He further added that anti-corruption movement could start at a smaller scale by practicing it in personal life of an individual.

The program was followed by a question-answer session where TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman answered to various questions of the participants.

Face the Public in Mymensingh: CCC Mymensingh organized a ‘Face the Public’ program on July 18 at the Gohailkandi High School Auditorium in Mymensingh. The aim of the program was to make the local municipal authority transparent and accountable in their responsibilities. Local Ward Commissioners were present at the program and assured the audience that they would try their level best to solve various problems of their areas

People’s Theatre Activities

Mymensingh Theatre Group: The People’s Theatre group of CCC – Mymensingh staged Durniti Express on July 21 in front of Mymensingh Bar Library. CCC Mymensingh organized this show with the help of Mymensingh District Lawyers Association. More that 200 Lawyers and their assistants and service recipients of the court enjoyed the show.

The President of the Lawyers’ Association while commenting on the performance said that People’s Theatre could play a vital and strong role against corruption. He appreciated the anti-corruption initiatives of CCC and TIB. He also called upon the audience to unite against corruption.

The theatre group staged another show on July 26 at the premises of Muminunnisa Govt. Girls College. The show started after the opening speech of Principal of the college Prof. Razia Begum. She said that resistance against corruption should start from our own family. In his welcome speech the Associate Prof. Md. Afsar Uddin said that students should actively support the anti-corruption movement.

Muktagacha Theatre Group staged Durnitir Chobol: The People’s Theatre group of CCC – Muktagacha staged Durnitrri Chobol on July 21 at the Khuksia High School premises.

More than 300 students and local people enjoyed the show. After the show the audience expressed their views and welcomed the efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

1 to 15 July 2005

Roundtable on Chittagong Port

On July 3, TIB organized a roundtable on ‘Chittagong Port: Problems and Prospects’ at the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) auditorium in Chittagong. TIB’s report on the Chittagong Port was presented during the roundtable. The report revealed that traders bribe over Tk. 800 crore to the Chittagong Port Customs a year. It also mentioned that exporters and importers have to give Tk 460 crore as bribe to the Customs House every year for exporting and importing goods through the port in addition to Tk 341 crore to the port itself.

Some interesting revelations were made in the TIB report. It said that for loading and unloading of goods, bribes are to be given at 15-18 different places while 14-40 other sections take bribes for releasing them from the Customs House. Of the imported goods, the electronic gadgets are the costliest in terms of bribe as Tk 3,000 is spent for per tonne electronic goods. On the other hand, vegetables are the most expensive among the export goods as per tonne vegetable needs Tk 1,700 as bribe. Of the money needed to release containers from the port, 47 percent is its real value while the rest 53 percent is spent on bribes. The other problems include port officials' tendency to take excessive bribe, procedural complications, age-old rules, monopoly domination of the operators and pilots, and excess labour unions.

Some suggestions were also made to resolve the problems. They are: giving Stevedoring Company the authority to appoint workers, engaging private sector for equipment handling, taking statements of assets of the employees and officials, and entrusting the port authorities with full power to solve the problems.

TIB Trustee Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid chaired the seminar which was moderated by TIB Trustee and Treasurer Professor Muzaffer Ahmad. Senior Program Officer of TIB Muhammad Sydur Rahman Molla presented the report. Leaders of different organisations related to the port, including former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, CCCI President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Chittagong Port Chairman AM Shahadat Hossain, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman among others were present at the program.

It is to be mentioned that earlier on September 28, 2004 TIB released a working paper on the same port in Dhaka.

Members Day – July 2005 observed

The TIB Members Day – July 2005 was observed on July 7. The program was moderated by Advocacy Director Mr. Jamil Ahmed. The ED of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman in his speech mentioned about the objectives of the program. He said that the program has created opportunities for Members to involve more in TIB activities. Dr. Zaman particularly mentioned about next phase of TIB TV Commercials which were actually being produced according to the suggestions of the Members.

CCCs Activities

CCC formed in Chittagong : TIB formed another Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) in Chittagong on July 13. The committee which included 17 members aims at removing corruption through establishing good governance and accountability in different public and private service oriented organizations. The committee was formed through a meeting held at the Theatre Institute in Chittagong. Dean of the Social Science Faculty of Chittagong University Professor Moinul Islam was elected the Convenor of the Committee. Other members include – Prof. Hamida Banu, Dr. Shah Alam, Dr. Q M Ohidul Alam, Adv. Saleh Uddin Haider Siddiqui, Adv. Akter Kabir Chowdhury, Shishir Dutt, Jesmin Sultana Paru, Ferdous Ara Alim, Shyamoli Mojumder, Daisy Moudud, Shila Momen, Engineer Delwar Mojumder, Md. Arifur Rahman, Adv. Rehana Kabir Ranu and Hamidul Islam Shamim. A 7-member Advisory Committee was also formed to help the CCC. Members of this committee are – Prof. Anupom Sen, Prof. Shafiq Haider Chowdhury (proposed), Begum Mushtari Shafi, Dr. Rabiul Hossen, Engineer Ali Ahmed (proposed), Editor of Daily Azadi M A Malek (proposed) and eminent journalist Abul Momen.

Workshop in Modhupur: On July 13, CCC Modhupur organized a workshop on ‘Ways to improve the services of Land Administration’ at the Modhupur Agricultural Training Centre. CCC Convenor Abdul Latif chaired the workshop. Participants at the workshop focused on the standard of services and existing problems of the Land Administration department. Besides, they also discussed ways to solve the problems. A total of sixty participants took part in it including officers of Land Administration, lawyers, journalists, teachers and local women representatives.

Seminars in Chapainawabganj and Rajshahi held: A seminar on ‘Corruption: Good Governance and Social Movement’ was held on July 11, at the Town Club in Chapainawabganj organized by the CCC Chapainawabganj. TIB Trustee Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid was present as chief guest while Dr. Sujit Sarker of Rajshahi University presented the keynote paper. Prof. Murshid, in his speech, said that corruption hinders good governance and the gap between the government and the people of the country has widened because of rampant corruption. He further added that the country was deprived of real representative government. TIB Executive Director also spoke on the occasion.

Another seminar titled ‘Corruption in Bangladesh: Role of TIB’ was held on July 10, at Rajshahi Zafar Imam Tennis Complex Auditorium, Rajshahi. CCC Rajshahi arranged this event which was presided over by the CCC Convenor Advocate Golam Arif Tipu. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman presented the keynote paper while TIB Trustee Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid was present as chief guest.

Speakers at the seminar told that corruption increases the level of poverty, repression and injustice in the society. It deprives the people of their rights and makes them suffer.

General Knowledge competition in Modhupur: Volunteers Group of the CCC Modhupur organized a general knowledge competition on July 5. The main objective of the competition was to nurture the merit of the students and to search for potential calibres. This event was organized in three schools and in one madrassa of Modhupur Municipality.

Seminar in Natore: ‘Corruption: Society and social movement” was the topic of a seminar held on July 5 in Natore. CCC – Natore organized this event at the Zilla Auditorium which was moderated by CCC Convenor Dr. Zakir Talukdar. CCC member Advocate Md. Amjad Hossen presented the keynote paper on behalf of Prof. Jatin Sarkar.

TIB Trustee and Executive Director of Ain-O-Shalish Kendra (ASK) Advocate Sultana Kamal and Executive Director of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman were present.

The speakers at the seminar said that because of the corruption of a few, people of our country are being blamed and a social movement against corruption is needed to get rid of this situation. It was also observed that political will is a must for curbing corruption. More than two hundred participants attended the seminar.

Seminar in Jamalpur: CCC Jamalpur Sadar and TIB organized a seminar on ‘Basic Education : Problems and Solutions’ to ensure the quality of primary education. The seminar was held on July 5 at the Shilpakala Academy Auditorium. CCC Convenor Advocate Nazrul Islam Dulu presided over the seminar in which district Primary Education Officer Malobika Bhoumik was present as chief guest. Upazilla Primary Education Officer Md. Obaidullah and CCC member Prof. Mir Ansar Ali presented two papers. Discussants at the seminar emphasized on active participation of all to ensure the quality of primary education.

People's Theatre Activities

Durnitir Chobol staged in Muktagacha: People's Theatre Group of CCC - Muktagacha staged its drama 'Durnitir Chobol' at the premises of Kheruajani Primary School of Muktagacha on July 6. The drama shows are basically performed to raise awareness among grassroots people. More than 300 students and local people enjoyed the show. They welcomed the efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

Upcoming Events

Roundtable on ‘Corruption and Media’: A roundtable discussion on ‘Corruption and Media’ will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2005 at 10.30 a.m. at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club. Eminent journalist Mr. A.B.M. Musa will present the keynote paper. TIB’s Investigative Journalism Award for the year 2005 will also be given during this program.

16 to 30 June 2005

TV Talk Program

A TV Talk Program (Grameen Phone Tele Shomoy) on Police Station was aired live on Channel-i on Friday, June 24. TIB's report on Police Station was the main topic of discussion. The program was moderated by Muhammad Jahangir. Former IG of Police AYBI Siddique, eminent lawyer and head of the School of Law of BRAC University Shahdeen Malik and Research Director of TIB S.I. Laskar were present to discuss on the topic. It was observed by the discussants that reforms are necessary to improve the services of the police department. Some recommendations of the TIB's report on Police were also appreciated by the speakers.

CCC Activities

Workshop on Gender issues: Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Kurigram area organized a workshop on 'Role of Women in Establishing Governance' on June 30 2005. Participants at the workshop observed that it is only a mother that can build a corruption-free family. They also underscored the necessity of building a platform where anti-corruption movement can take place. The participants further said that women of our country are not aware of their rights and effects of corruption on the society and participation of both men and women are essential to reduce corruption.

Presided over by the Convenor of the CCCKurigram A T M Enamul Haq Chowdhury, this workshop was attended by a total of twenty-seven women participants including NGOs workers, journalists, teachers and local ward commissioners.

A similar workshop was held in Rangpur on June 27 by CCC Rangpur. The participants at this workshop said that women of the society are always being harassed due to the absence of good governance. Representatives from various NGOs participated in this workshop. 

Face the Public program in Mymensingh: A program titled Face the Public was held on 21 June at the Mymensingh High School auditorium in Mymensingh. The program was organized by the CCC of Mymensingh area where ward commissioner of the local municipality Tazul Alam  and female commissioner Roksana Shirin were present. Residents of the local municipality were also present in this dialogue program and asked the commissioners about various civic amenities. The commissioners assured the audience that they would ensure the transparency and the accountability of their office and would also solve various problems of the people. CCC member Momtaz Uddin presided over the program.

Opinion Sharing Meeting in Nalitabari: An opinion sharing meeting on 'Social Movement Against Corruption: The Role of Media' was held in CCC Nalitabari on June 16. Journalists from both print and electronic media were present to discuss on the topic. The discussants said that people rely more on the media for authentic news and therefore media can play a vital role in reducing corruption.  

Mothers Gathering in Nalitabari: A Mothers Gathering was held in CCC Nalitabari on  June 15. The program was held with a view to establish accountability of the primary education system and thereby ensure the quality of education through mass people participation. CCC Nalitabari organized the gathering at Taraganj Charu Govt. Primary School premises. 

Convenor of the CCC Advocate Shudhangshu Kalowar presided over the program. Mothers of the students, teachers, members of the school management committee were present. Discussions focused on issues related to shortage of teachers, classroom problem, drop out rate and involvement of parents and specially mothers to do away with these problems.

People's Theatre Activities

Durniti Express staged in Mymensingh: People's Theatre Group of CCC staged its drama 'Durniti Express' at the Mymensingh Ananda Mohan College Auditorium in Mymensingh on June 22. The drama shows are basically performed to raise awareness among grassroots people. More than 500 students enjoyed the show. They welcomed efforts of the CCC and TIB to use people's theatre as an advocacy tool to create awareness among local people.

1 to 15 June 2005

Budget discussion held in Kishoreganj CCC

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the Volunteer Group of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Kishoreganj area arranged an open discussion on the national budget on June 13.The members of the Volunteer Group took part in a lively discussion where they expressed their opinions about the national budget. It was observed that the budget fails to give any clear indication how corruption can be reduced. The Finance Minister's decision to extend the time limit for whitening the black money for another year was also criticized. The discussants at the meeting called upon the government to take legal measures against illegal money. CCC Member and veteran freedom fighter Professor Abdul Gani; Volunteer Members Juena, Toba, Ashraful, Joni, Arman, Shimu, Happy, Bashir, Shujit, Shimul, Anuk Sharma, And Aslam took part in the discussion.

Debate Competition in Kishoreganj

The Volunteer Group of CCC Kishoreganj Sadar and TIB organized a debate competition on June 1. The topic of the debate was 'unwillingness of the politicians as the main reason for corruption'. A total 18 members of the Volunteer Group participated in this event

Upcoming Events

Roundtable in Chittagong: A roundtable discussion on TIB's report on Chittagong Port will be held on July 3, 2005 at 10.00 a.m. at the Chamber Auditorium, Chittagong. Amir Khasru Mahmood Chowdhury M.P. will remain present as chief guest at the roundtable titled 'Chittagong  Port: Problems & Prospects'.

Members Day: The next TIB Members Day will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 3.00 p.m. at the TIB office in Dhaka. 

16 to 31 May

CCC activities

Opinion Sharing Meeting: TIB and the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Chapainababganj jointly organized an ‘Opinion Sharing Meeting’ with the municipality officials on May 30, at the Municipality Auditorium, Chapainawabganj. The municipality Chairman Mr. Ataur Rahman presided over the meeting. In his speech, Mr. Rahman appreciated the anti-corruption activities of TIB and CCC. He also assured to provide all sorts of assistance to build a social movement against corruption.

TIB Programme Director M. Mohsin made a detail presentation on the activities of TIB and CCC during the meeting. The meeting was participated, among others, by the CCC Convenor Advocate Saifaul Islam Reza, Anwar Hossen Dilu, local Ward Commissioner Azizullah, Mir Md. Saidur Rahman and other municipality officials including some women members.

Workshop on corruption and its effects on women: On May 24, a workshop was held in Mymensingh which focussed on corruption and its effects on women. The workshop was arranged jointly by the CCC and TIB where a large number of women took part. A working paper was presented during the workshop by CCC Member Kaniz Gofrani. The workshop discussed effects of corruption on women, role of the CCC in reducing corruption and ways to involve women in anti-corruption movement.

Citizens Gathering in Kurigram: A citizens gathering was held on May 19, at the Zilla Parishad Auditorium in Kurigram Sadar. The event was organized by the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Kurigram Sadar. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman was present in this program which was presided over by CCC Convenor Enamul Haque Chowdhury. The meeting was participated, among others, by the President of the local press club Rabindranath Roy, Chairman of the municipality Abu Bakar Siddique, Civil Surgeon Dr. Giasuddin, Superintendent of Police Sheikh M Mizanur Rahman and citizens from all walks of life. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman in his speech, talked about the organization’s goal to create a country free of corruption through social mobilization.

Prize Distribution Ceremony for essay competition held in Lalmonirhat: The CCC of Lalmonirhat area recently organized an essay competition for students ranging from school to university. It is to be mentioned that the essay competition was arranged on the occasion of the International Mothers’ Language Day (Ekushey February). A prize distribution program for the winners of the competition was held on May 20, at a local school auditorium in Lalmonirhat. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman was present and distributed prizes. As a part of its advocacy program, TIB and CCCs regularly arrange essay competitions for the students.

Theatre Activities

Mymensingh People’s Theatre: Three shows of the People’s Theatre production “Durnity Express” were staged at three different places in Mymensingh. On May 24, a show was staged at Pagla Bazar near Boyra Union in Mymensingh Sadar. Shows were also held in two different places at Tarakanda Upazilla in Mymensingh on May 25. All the shows were packed with people from all walks of life and the audience appreciated the performance of the theatre activists and expressed their bitter experiences about corruption.

Muktagacha People’s Theatre: The People’s Theatre of CCC-Muktagacha staged two shows of “Durnitir Chobol” in two different areas of Muktagacha. On May 17, a show was performed at the Moishadia Govt. Primary School premises in Muktagacha. The theatre activists staged another show at Mohammadnagar High School in Muktagacha Upazilla on May 31.

TIB Official visits Korea

TIB Senior Program Officer Mr. Sydur Rahman Molla recently participated in the 6th Global Forum on Reinventing Government: Toward Participatory and Transparent Governance as a speaker. The event was held in Seoul, Korea during 24-27 May, 2005. The Government of the Republic of Korea organized the event in partnership with UNDP. The forum included 9 parallel capacity development workshops organized by UNDP, UNDESA, the World Bank Institute, OECD, UN-HABITAT, Transparency International and Harvard University. Mr. Molla presented a paper titled ‘Corruption in Primary Education in Bangladesh: TIB Analysis and Initiatives’ during one of the workshops.

Upcoming event: The Members Day – June 2005 will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2005 at TIB Office in Dhaka.

1 to 15 May

TV Talk  Program on TIB

On May 13, a TV Talk program on corruption and the recent TIB report on Household Survey was aired at 10.30 a.m. on Channel - i (Grameen Phone Teleshomoy).  TIB Trustee and Treasurer Professor Muzaffer Ahmad was present as a guest speaker. Other discussants included Professor Abu Ahmed and former Advisor of the Caretaker Government Mr. A.S.M. Shajahan. The main topic of discussion was 'How to reduce bribery' which aimed at informing the public, policy makers, and all stakeholders about TIB's findings from the survey and increase awareness. The program was telecast live and a huge number of telephone calls from the audience were received to which the speakers replied. The program concluded that the Income Tax Division and the Anti-Corruption Commission should be made more effective to reduce bribery in the country.

Face the Public program held

On 11 May, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Muktagacha area jointly organized a Face the Publicprogram at Tarati Union, Muktagacha. Presided over by a member of the CCC Mr. Nurul Islam Dulu, local Union Parishad Chairman Mr. Rafij Uddin attended the program and answered to various service (provided by the Union Parishad) related questions of the audience. 

Opinion Sharing meeting at the Land Office in Mymensingh

An opinion sharing meeting was held on May 9, 2005 between the CCC and the Land Administration authority to discuss various issues related to land-registration process. Held at the District Registrars Office, the meeting was attended by TIB & CCC officials and District Register Mr. Narayan Chandra Das. The meeting discussed on the recent Household Survey report of TIB which identified land administration as the most corrupt sector. The meeting was told that due to corruption of some officials of the land office the government is being deprived of a huge amount of revenue income every year. It was agreed that CCC and the land administration would work together to curb corruption in this sector.    

CCC office inaugurated

Activities of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Chapainawabganj sadar were formally inaugurated on May 5, 2005. A simple function was arranged on its office premises on this occasion. The program was presided over by the Convenor of the CCC Advocate Saiful Islam Reza while Executive Director of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman was present as the Chief Guest. 

Dr. Zaman in his speech termed corruption as a social disease and asked all classes of people to organize a social movement against it. He said that even after six months of the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission, it is yet to play any part in the fulfillment of peoples expectation. The TIB Executive Director added that as corruption breeds poverty and injustice, every citizen should raise voice against it.

Workshop to improve the services of the Union Parishad held

On May 2, Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Sherpur area jointly organized a workshop on 'Services of the Union Parishad: The responsibilities of the people and the public representatives' at the local BRDB Auditorium, Sherpur. Presided over by the Convenor of the CCC Advocate Shudhangshu Kalwar, the workshop aimed at building a coalition among CCC, TIB and the elected members of the local Union Parishad (UP). UNO of the local Upazilla Mr. Najmul Hasan Khan was present as the Chief Guest.  The Chairman and some female Members of the local UP were also present.

Speakers at the workshop, including the Chief Guest, called upon the public representatives to jointly work with the CCC and TIB. The responsibilities of the UP members according to the Constitution of Bangladesh were also discussed during this workshop. It was observed that the UP members should keep the citizens aware of its various ongoing development activities. The workshop underscored the necessity of increasing the power of the female Members.

15 to 30 April 2005

Household Survey on Corruption - People pay Tk 6,796cr in bribes a year

TIB’s report on Corruption in Bangladesh: A Household Survey was released on April 20, 2005 at a press conference in Dhaka. The survey was conducted on 9 sectors (health, education, power, police, lower judiciary, local government, banking, taxation and pension) in 55 districts of the country.

The report revealed that the people paid corrupt officials and employees of 25 service sector institutions an estimated Tk 6,796 crore a year in bribes which accounts for roughly 2 percent of Bangladesh's GDP. On an average, every citizen pays Tk 485 in bribes to these sectors. The report identified land and land-related departments, police stations and lower courts as the most corruption-prone sectors. The other areas are health, education, power, the tax department, arbitration and relief of local government and pensions. The report made some suggestions which include stronger political will of the policymakers, steps to make the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) an effective organisation, transparency and accountability, introduction of exemplary punishment, appointment of several ombudsman, and administrative reforms to fight against corruption. The active and conscious role of the civil society and mass media has also been emphasized to raise awareness against the all-pervading evil.

The survey was conducted to find out the nature of corruption, the broad spectrum, depth and losses made by corruption between September 10 and October 24, 2004 in 3,000 households of 55 districts -- 2,100 households in villages and 900 in towns.

The report was presented by Sydur Rahman Molla, Senior Program Officer of TIB. TIB trustee and former advisor to the caretaker government Hafizuddin Ahmed, Trustee and Treasurer Professor Muzaffer Ahmad and Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzman were also present at the press conference.

The summary findings of the survey report can be viewed at http://www.ti-bangladesh.org/documents/HouseholdSurvey200405-sum1.pdf

First Members Day observed

The TIB Members Day – April 2005 was held on April 21, 2005, during 3 – 5 pm at its office in Dhaka. The program was attended by 12 Members. TIB staff members also participated in it. It is to be mentioned that the decision to observe Members’ Day was taken at the last Members Meeting held in November 2004. There were no specific agenda for the program. However, Members were given an opportunity to preview TIB’s draft media campaign strategy including the third TV Commercial. There were some useful comments and recommendations about the Media Campaign made by the Members. The next Members Day will be observed on June 30, 2005.

CCC Activities

Opinion Sharing Meetings

* An opinion sharing meeting was held on April 30 with the Managing Committee of the Ghagra Government Primary School. It was jointly organized by TIB and Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) of Mymensingh Sadar area. The meeting acknowledged the contributions of CCC and TIB in improving the overall performance of the teachers and the School Committee. A similar meeting with the Managing Committees was held at Dapunia (Talma Government Primary School) on 27 April organized jointly by TIB and CCC Mymensingh.

* In Jamalpur, CCC organized a meeting with the District Education Officer Mr. Mahtabuddin Ahmed to discuss ways to improve the quality of school education of that area. This meeting was held on April 27. Jamalpur CCC Members proposed to conduct a Report Card Survey to which Mr. Ahmed agreed to extend his support.