Published: 20 January 2024
With a call for political will and proper implementation of the law to curb corruption, a two-day-long anti-corruption regional convention organized by the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) concluded on January 20, 2024, in Chottogram.
With much enthusiasm, hundreds of members from 10 CCCs at the upazila and district levels from Chottogram and Dhaka Division participated in the convention with the determination to combat corruption. Aligned with the theme "Corruption, Poverty, Injustice: Citizens’ Perspective," TIB-inspired CCC organized the convention at a hotel in Chottogram.
The main focus of the convention centered around discussions on anti-corruption activities and the way forward for TIB, with CCC leaders from Patia, Chakaria, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Cumilla, Luxmipur, and other regions actively participating and expressing their views and concerns.
During the opening ceremony, TIB’s Civic Engagement Director, Ferhana Ferdous, and Cumilla CCC and TIB’s General Assembly member Badrul Huda Jenu spoke. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman delivered his speech as the key speaker of the convention.
He emphasized that a significant portion of Bangladesh's national income is being undermined by corruption, and the country's growth could have reached 10 percent if not for this pervasive issue. Bangladesh currently ranks among the top countries for global money laundering. Even when certain individuals engage in smuggling money, they often escape legal repercussions. If money laundering could be effectively controlled, the nation could save an estimated $12 billion annually. Unfortunately, the burden of debt falls disproportionately on low-income individuals, while defaulters face little to no consequences.
Highlighting the need for a more effective national parliament, he emphasized that government agencies must collaboratively combat corruption. Addressing this challenge requires a strong political will, necessitating the effective enforcement of existing laws or the establishment of new legal frameworks where needed. There is a crucial need to enhance institutional capacity. Additionally, fostering public awareness and encouraging public vocalization are essential in combating corruption.
