The Decision about throw up the obligation to submit a statement of assets from the code of conduct for Government Employees (CODE) has strongly criticized By Transparency International Bangldesh (TIB). As their concerned this initiative not only protect government employee from accountability but also inspire them for corruption.
On Tuesday (March 19) TIB expressed its concerns in a statement. Beside this The Bangladesh chapter of Berlin-based Transparency International (TI) urged the government to cancel the initiative.
According to TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the removal of the requirement for the submission of wealth statements will make it easier for dishonest public servants to commit corruption.
"The proposed amendment of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules is exactly opposite to the government`s electoral pledge and the government’s top leadership’s declaration of zero tolerance policy against corruption," he stated.
He mentioned that submitting the assets statement annually was required. However, because government personnel were reluctant, it was later loosened and a provision was added for filing wealth statements every five years.
The removal of the obligation means, in a sense, massively promoting government employees to become corrupt, said the TIB Executive Director.
He added that, "Without facilities to declare assets, public officials will be more likely to engage in fearless corruption and acquire illicit wealth."
At the same time, the suffering of people to avail of the services in government offices will increase, illegal money transactions will enhance manifold, and overall, the government’s dream of ensuring a well-governed system will end in failure, said Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
