The Transparency International Bangladesh [TIB] on Thursday heavily protested the remarks of MPs saying that the criticism of lawmakers about the organisation is ‘not only irrational, but also out of their jurisdictions.’
“TIB is a non-political organisation. We have never done anything politicised or under any political consideration. The government and country’s Constitution approve our works. Our every effort is done in line with the Constitution. So, we think the criticism of MPs about our works are totally irrational and it is also out of their jurisdictions,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB.
He was answering to questions of newsmen at a press conference over Wednesday’s harsh comments by the lawmakers demanding the Speaker’s ruling against TIB following its observation about the 10th Parliament. The briefing was arranged on revealing TIB’s latest report titled ‘Food security assurance, challenge of good governance and way to overcome’ at a city hotel. TIB Chairperson Advocate Sultana Kamal, among others, was present on the occasion.
Turning down the MPs’ claim, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “It’s my choice whether I will join any political party or not. I’ll decide it. But when we talk about the Parliament, something on politics also come. In person, I’m Iftekhar, is not involved in any kind of politics. As well, TIB is also not influenced by any political party.” “TIB is a registered organization of government. What we [TIB] do is done after taking consent from the government. We have no authority to do any work without the permission of government. Even we have to take government clearance for running Parliament Watch,” he said clarifying his organisational stance. Earlier on Wednesday, MPs demanded Speaker’s ruling on what they said derogatory remarks of TIB on 10th Parliament. The MPs heavily came down on TIB when it practical said at a press conference on Tuesday that there is no opposition in Parliament and the 10th parliament is likely to be short-lived.
Standing in the point of order, Awami League MP Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim turned down the TIB’s demand for another election and said, “The demand of TIB is like that of Khaleda. BNP did not participate in the last election and now TIB is advocating fresh election for the BNP. Election is for the people, not for the terrorists while the BNP-Jamaat evil nexus killed more than 130 people. I ask TIB to join the 19-party alliance.”
MPs also raised questions for what reasons the election will be given and for whose interest. In this backdrop, MPs also asked the concerned authorities to check the funding sources of TIB.
Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, who is also spokesman of the 14-party alliance yesterday asked the Finance Ministry to check TIB’s money receiving sources.
Explaining TIB’s expenditure, Dr Iftekheruzzaman further said, “We do not receive a single penny without nod of government. And we cannot expend a single farthing without its clearance. Our all audit and financial reports are always open for government’s scrutiny.” “Always we see that a section of government criticise us and the opposition parties greet us. It’s a common scenario. But we are above the politics. Our final observation is that political corruption is mother of all corruptions,” he said in a frustrating tone.
Meanwhile, in its latest report yesterday the TIB said about 50 per cent of the food is adulterated, as there are shortcomings in the country’s existing laws.
