Transparency International Bangladesh has called on the interim government, political parties, citizens, and the younger generation to seize the opportunity created after the fall of an authoritarian regime to build a corruption-free and democratic Bangladesh.
The anti-corruption watchdog made the call in a press release issued on Wednesday, following its annual meeting at its headquarters at Dhanmondi in Dhaka.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman moderated the meeting, which was chaired by Mohammad Ilious Khan and attended by 45 platform members on Tuesday.
In a declaration issued at the meeting, the TIB demanded justice for those who sacrificed their lives in the anti-discrimination movement and called for fair and credible investigations, both nationally and internationally, to ensure punishment for the perpetrators.
The release also condemned recent attacks on religious and minority communities, urging authorities to ensure justice for the victims and punishment for those involved.
The declaration stated that corruption had been institutionalised due to a lack of accountability and authoritarian rule. It criticised the Anti-Corruption Commission for its failure to address the situation effectively, which forced people to comply with corrupt practices.
The TIB emphasised the need for a complete overhaul of the ACC following the recent appointment of a new leadership team.
鈥楻eshuffling the entire institution, not just changing its leadership, is essential,鈥� the declaration said, adding, 鈥楳ake the ACC a pro-people and corruption-free institution.鈥�
The organisation also called for ensuring freedom of the press and freedom of expression, which it said were long-awaited expectations of the people following the end of the authoritarian regime.
TIB warned against the amendment of the Cyber Security Act through an ordinance without consulting stakeholders, expressing concerns that such changes could increase the risk of misuse.
鈥楨nsure that no one suffers unfairly for accusations of collaboration with the previous authoritarian government, as happened in the past,鈥� the statement urged.
