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TL;DR
- The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, plans to disclose the asset statements of all Advisory Council members to enhance transparency and build public trust.
- A draft policy mandating these disclosures is expected to be approved soon, following Yunus’s pledge to make asset disclosures regular and compulsory for all government officials.
- The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating several officials for corruption, and a committee has been set up to determine the format for asset disclosures.
- The interim government also aims to stop the practice of naming state-funded projects after political figures, addressing long-standing issues of transparency and corruption.
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, is taking significant steps to enhance transparency and combat corruption by mandating the disclosure of asset statements from all members of the Advisory Council and officials of equivalent rank. This move aims to build public trust and ensure the financial integrity of government officials. A draft policy requiring these disclosures is expected to be approved at an upcoming Advisory Council meeting.
The initiative follows a commitment made by Yunus during his inaugural address, where he emphasized the importance of transparency in governance. “Our advisers will publish their asset details as soon as possible. Over time, this will be made regular and compulsory for all government officials,” Yunus stated. Additionally, the interim government plans to draft an ordinance for appointing an ombudsman to tackle state-level corruption.
Since assuming office on August 8, the interim administration has required all government employees to submit asset statements. The government intends to publish the asset statements of Advisory Council members before those of other employees. This effort addresses long-standing demands for transparency, which previous governments, including the Awami League, had promised but failed to deliver.
The Anti-Corruption Commission is actively investigating corruption allegations against several high-profile figures, including former IGP Benazir Ahmed and former NBR member Matiur Rahman. To facilitate these investigations, the Ministry of Public Administration has set up a committee to determine the format for asset disclosures.
In a related development, Senior Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman stated on September 2 that this initiative represents a firm stance against corruption. He noted that even those without taxable income must now provide asset information, highlighting the public interest in such disclosures.
The interim government is also considering a policy change regarding the naming of state-funded projects. Traditionally, major projects in Bangladesh have been named after political figures and their relatives, often leading to renaming with each change in government. The proposed policy aims to end these practices.
This push for transparency comes amidst broader efforts to address corruption in Bangladesh. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, Bangladesh scored 24 out of 100, marking its lowest score in 12 years and ranking it among countries where corruption is considered a “very serious problem.” The report highlights widespread public sector corruption and ineffective actions against money laundering as key issues.
As Bangladesh navigates these challenges, the interim government’s efforts to enforce transparency and accountability are seen as crucial steps towards restoring public confidence and fostering a more transparent governance system.
News Source: TBS
