Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has lauded the newly elected government’s declaration to reject long-standing privileges, such as duty-free cars and government plots, describing it as a “well-considered” and “timely” step toward dismantling a culture of authoritarian and discriminatory governance.
The anti-graft watchdog’s appreciation follows the transition of power from the interim government, which governed for 18 months after the 5 August uprising until the national elections on 12 February.
In a statement issued yesterday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman emphasised that the fundamental aspiration of the July uprising and the subsequent 13th National Parliamentary Election was the creation of a “welfare-oriented Bangladesh” that is accountable and free from corruption.
He noted that while the new alliance holds an overwhelming public mandate, the prevention of corruption remains an “indispensable precondition” for the effective implementation of its political and economic commitments. Without robust control mechanisms, Iftekharuzzaman warned, there is a persistent risk of power abuse, partisan favouritism, and the continuation of kleptocratic malpractices such as money laundering and tax evasion.
To ensure transparency, TIB has strongly demanded that all Members of Parliament (MPs) and public office holders publicly disclose their income, expenditure, and asset statements on official websites. Iftekharuzzaman called for the strict enforcement of Article 74 of the July Charter, which requires elected representatives to submit these disclosures for themselves and their family members within three months of assuming office, followed by mandatory annual updates.
TIB maintains that this practice must be extended to all public servants across all sectors whose salaries are funded by the state.
The organisation also urged the government to formulate an integrated National Anti-Corruption Strategy. This plan, TIB suggests, should be rooted in the BNP’s 31-point reform outline, the recent election manifesto, the July Charter, and the report of the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission.
Iftekharuzzaman stressed that such a strategy must involve the participation of all political parties – including those outside of Parliament – and foster broad engagement from citizens and non-state institutions to ensure its sustainability.
He said, “As the first step in demonstrating the anti-corruption commitment of the government and the National Parliament, in accordance with the unanimously adopted Article 74 of the July Charter, it must be ensured that within three months of assuming office, all elected representatives submit and publicly disclose on websites the income, expenditure and asset statements of themselves and their family members, with mandatory annual updates.”
Furthermore, TIB called for constitutional amendments to prevent the abuse of legal powers, aligning state governance with the “anti-discrimination spirit” of the mass uprising.
