Power games return, TIB sounds alarm

Staff Reporter :

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed serious concern over the conduct of certain political leaders and activists, warning that a “now it’s our turn” mentality is fostering patterns of power abuse reminiscent of the recently ousted authoritarian regime.

In a press release on Sunday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that this mindset has already manifested in factionalism, extortion, illegal land grabs, misuse of public resources, and acts of violence. He described the trend as a “dangerous omen” for the vision of a “New Bangladesh.”

“Since the fall of the authoritarian regime, activities by some leaders and activists of major political parties have mirrored the same self-serving and abusive practices that defined the previous government,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said. He added that, in some cases, remnants of the defeated political forces continue to be complicit in such collusive practices.

The statement highlighted growing partisan favouritism, illegal occupations, and the trading of political positions, often enforced through coercion. Certain religiously oriented or isolated groups have also reportedly infringed upon the rights of minorities, women, indigenous populations, and other marginalised communities.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman warned that weak internal accountability within political parties, coupled with lax oversight by law enforcement and administrative authorities, has allowed these practices to persist. He noted that extortion and illegal control over transport hubs, marketplaces, and other public resources appear to be a continuation of the misrule associated with the former regime.

Even some activists from newly emerged political groups-initially formed to promote anti-discrimination and good governance-have been accused of engaging in similar irregularities, undermining their founding principles.
“Without genuine internal accountability, the long-awaited ‘new political arrangement’ risks being held hostage to the same toxic political culture of the past,” he said, urging parties to strengthen democratic practices, ethical standards, and people-centred governance to differentiate the politics of a New Bangladesh from authoritarian precedents.