Dr Iftekharuzzaman speaks to DOT :
Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.
On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, DOT spoke to Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). He said that Bangladesh government along with TIB and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has observed the corruption situation officially for the second time this year, which is good news for all of us. However, still people’s expectations on defeating corruption in Bangladesh are not being sufficiently fulfilled. This is happening because still the real corrupts are out of reach and they are not being made accountable for their corruption through an effective system. ACC has not been successful in this matter satisfactorily.
In addition to that, general people’s engagement in reporting corruption cases is likely to decrease due to the enactment of Digital Security Act 2018. If the government is really committed to combat corruption then the government should reconsider repealing this law.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman is Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)
Interviewd by Tasmiah Nuhiah Ahmed, Executive Editor, Daily Our Time
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