TIB chief meets PM, discusses anti-corruption measures

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Thursday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed measures needed to make the country free from corruption.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.

“The TIB Executive Director met the Prime Minister. They discussed steps needed to curb corruption and strengthen good governance,” he said.

Rumon said the Prime Minister spoke about his government’s policy of maintaining a strong stance against corruption.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani was present during the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Iftekharuzzaman said they placed several specific recommendations before the Prime Minister regarding good governance and anti-corruption efforts.

“The Prime Minister took the issues very positively and assured us of taking the necessary steps for implementation,” he said.

The TIB chief said they also stressed the need for reform and restructuring of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

In particular, he said, the restructuring of the ACC was discussed during the meeting.

Iftekharuzzaman said the current government wants to send a strong message to the international community that it is committed to fighting corruption without compromise.

As part of that effort, he said TIB proposed holding the 2028 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Bangladesh to help strengthen the country’s image globally.

“We sought the Prime Minister’s support in organising the international conference in Bangladesh, and he assured us of taking the necessary steps in this regard,” the TIB chief said.

He said the international conference is held every two years, and this year’s event will take place in the Dominican Republic.

“Previously, only three Asian countries – Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea – have hosted the conference. We believe 2028 will be an appropriate time for Bangladesh to host it,” Iftekharuzzaman said.

He said the Prime Minister agreed in principle and the government will move forward with the initiative, subject to the cabinet approval.