Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Iftekharuzzaman, has called upon the government to cancel the appointment of the newly appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank and to send a strong message against corruption, not just verbally, but at the party level.
He made these remarks while presenting a set of recommendations to the government on good governance and corruption prevention at a press conference on Thursday. The press conference was held at TIB’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Expressing deep concern over the appointment of the current governor of Bangladesh Bank, Iftekharuzzaman said that information published in the media indicates a strong conflict of interest exists regarding the newly appointed governor. According to TIB, the central bank is not safe under such leadership, and this will hinder the ability of Bangladesh Bank to play its neutral role as a regulatory body.
He expressed apprehension that through such appointments, controversial business groups or top money launderers might get the opportunity to regain authority, which would not be beneficial for the state in any way. Therefore, he strongly urged the government to cancel this appointment and appoint a person who is honest, experienced, and capable of performing duties above self-interest as governor.
At the press conference, Iftekharuzzaman noted that the government’s declaration of “zero tolerance” against corruption must not be just a speech directed at the general public.
Advising the government, he said this message against corruption must be clearly conveyed to its own party, cabinet, members of parliament, and leaders and activists at all levels. The big challenge now is to ensure that the stance against corruption is reflected in the government’s internal practices.
Iftekharuzzaman strongly criticised the visible “our turn now” or culture of grabbing among party leaders and activists following the political change. He said the mentality that “others were corrupt before, so now our workers will be corrupt” must stop. Strict directives and monitoring must be ensured from the top level of the party so that political or government positions are not used as a “license” for corruption.
He warned that if the government cannot identify and control the risks posed by corrupt or vested interests within its own ranks, all their reform initiatives could become self-destructive. He commented that to ensure good governance, it is essential to free state institutions from partisan influence and reflect political will.
