UNB, Dhaka :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to propose inclusion of governance and anti-corruption as distinct goals in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) agenda.
Earlier, on November 5, 2014 in a letter, TIB asked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take the lead to work together with her peers at the forthcoming Saarc Summit in Kathmandu during November 22-27 to undertake regional cooperation initiatives to control corruption effectively, according to a statement issued by TIB on Monday.
The letter, signed by TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, called upon the Bangladesh delegation to the summit to focus on recognising corruption as a challenge of highest priority for countries of the region individually and collectively, and pledging that corruption must be addressed by multi-dimensional strategic interventions with particular emphasis on challenging impunity without fear or favour.
The TIB recommended undertaking effective regional initiatives to mutually share experiences and to cooperate in checking graft, particularly its cross border dimensions including illicit flow of corrupt money and resources.
It also stressed the need for ensuring people’s access to information and strengthen institutions of accountability, particularly those mandated to control corruption.
The letter draws attention of the government to its election manifesto of 2008 and 2014 as well as Perspective Plan and 5-year plan which make good governance as the centre piece of state policy and make commitments against corruption.
Drawing attention to some important initiatives taken by the government to strengthen the legal and policy structure to control corruption, TIB argues that the proposal is consistent with pledges made by the government, as with the National Integrity Strategy adopted in October 2012.
TIB also noted the government’s participation in many regional and international initiatives for governance and anti-corruption. The letter also recognises that all South Asian governments recognise corruption as a key predicament against economic development, poverty alleviation, the rule of law and justice.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said Bangladesh has the track record of taking such initiatives in various international and regional forums, including Saarc.
“The Prime Minister and her delegation can once again take a proactive role to propose governance as a distinct agenda of cooperation and to create opportunities for mutual learning, sharing and collaboration to control corruption, particularly in cross-border dimensions,” he added.
A similar appeal jointly signed by executive directors of TI chapters in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, has been made to respective heads of state or government.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to propose inclusion of governance and anti-corruption as distinct goals in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) agenda.
Earlier, on November 5, 2014 in a letter, TIB asked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take the lead to work together with her peers at the forthcoming Saarc Summit in Kathmandu during November 22-27 to undertake regional cooperation initiatives to control corruption effectively, according to a statement issued by TIB on Monday.
The letter, signed by TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, called upon the Bangladesh delegation to the summit to focus on recognising corruption as a challenge of highest priority for countries of the region individually and collectively, and pledging that corruption must be addressed by multi-dimensional strategic interventions with particular emphasis on challenging impunity without fear or favour.
The TIB recommended undertaking effective regional initiatives to mutually share experiences and to cooperate in checking graft, particularly its cross border dimensions including illicit flow of corrupt money and resources.
It also stressed the need for ensuring people’s access to information and strengthen institutions of accountability, particularly those mandated to control corruption.
The letter draws attention of the government to its election manifesto of 2008 and 2014 as well as Perspective Plan and 5-year plan which make good governance as the centre piece of state policy and make commitments against corruption.
Drawing attention to some important initiatives taken by the government to strengthen the legal and policy structure to control corruption, TIB argues that the proposal is consistent with pledges made by the government, as with the National Integrity Strategy adopted in October 2012.
TIB also noted the government’s participation in many regional and international initiatives for governance and anti-corruption. The letter also recognises that all South Asian governments recognise corruption as a key predicament against economic development, poverty alleviation, the rule of law and justice.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said Bangladesh has the track record of taking such initiatives in various international and regional forums, including Saarc.
“The Prime Minister and her delegation can once again take a proactive role to propose governance as a distinct agenda of cooperation and to create opportunities for mutual learning, sharing and collaboration to control corruption, particularly in cross-border dimensions,” he added.
A similar appeal jointly signed by executive directors of TI chapters in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, has been made to respective heads of state or government.
