Bangladesh: TIB observes the International Anti-corruption Day.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) observed the International Anti-Corruption Day with a call upon the government to follow up on its electoral pledge to ensure good governance and equal rights of all by effectively curbing the menace of corruption.
Nation-wide campaign by CCC-YES Network
This was the demand raised from a series of events organized in the capital Dhaka and 45 various units of the network of Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and Youth Engagement & Support (YES) created by TIB all over the country.
The CCC-YES network organized rallies, seminars & roundtables, human chain, cartoon exhibitions, street theatres, anti-corruption oath-taking and various other outreach activities participated by tens of thousands of people including public officials and representatives, professionals, civil society, media, business and the common people. The large majority of the participants were the young generation including the students of schools, colleges and universities.
Say No to Corruption, Now - 65 million people reached
A key message of the observance of the IACD this year again was "Say No to Corruption, Now" - a call made to all sections of the society. For the first time this message was transmitted to all mobile phone users of Bangladesh reaching nearly 65 million people.
The anti-corruption theme-song of TIB - Jago Manush (Rise up People) - has been transformed into a mobile phone welcome tune.
Commemorative postage stamp
TIB has succeeded in persuading the Government to publish a Commemorative Postage Stamp with "Say No to Corruption" message. The stamp is expected to reach 300,000 households.
Global Corruption Barometer
The IACD in Dhaka began with the launching of the Global Corruption Barometer 2010 Report through a press conference in the capital. Presenting the findings of the report, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, said that as much as corruption and bribery has unfortunately increased in such key sectors and institutions as police, political parties, judiciary and public service, it is encouraging that over 90 percent of the people see a role for themselves in the fight against it.
It is also important that whelming majority of the people of Bangladesh want the political leadership to follow through their commitment to check rising trend of bribery. "Transforming political pledges into action without fear or favour is indispensable so that corruption truly becomes a punishable offence. The Government must ensure that key institutions of the national integrity system like the Anti-corruption Commission, the Judiciary, police, public service can function professionally, honestly, transparently, with integrity, and without any partisan political influence", he said.
Human Chain
An anti-corruption human chain demanding effective action against corruption was organised in the campus of the University of Dhaka participated by the students, NGO activists, professionals, media and the members of the Dhaka-based YES groups.
A week-long Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition was opened in Jainul Gallery of the University of Dhaka. The Vice Chancellor of the University inaugurated the exhibition and gave away awards to winners of TIB’s 5th annual anti-corruption cartoon competition, being organized since 2006. The Vice Chancellor said that corruption is an unacceptable human failure and must be fought effectively. He added that his university is happy to be associated with TIB in sensitizing the young generation against corruption, and promoting positive values of honesty, transparency and integrity.
National Debate - Environment & Corruption
Another highlight of activities was the national debate competition parliamentary style on "Environment and Corruption", in which over 300 students from more than 60 colleges and universities took part during December 7-8. The concluding award distribution session was attended by the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank as the Chief Guest, who commended efforts of TIB in sensitizing and engaging the young generation in the anti-corruption movement. He expressed the confidence that these future leaders, imbibed with anti-corruption values, will transform Bangladesh into a middle income country where corruption will be effectively controlled.
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