Strong political will can end corruption
Says Obaidul Quader
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday stressed the need for a zero tolerance policy against corruption and strong political will to eradicate the bad practice.
"We will have to change our political culture with the firm determination of avoiding corruption," he said.
The minister was speaking as chief guest at a seminar styled, 'Corruption through ages and its impact on economy,' organised by the English language daily, The Independent, at its office in the city.
Huge expenditures in electoral campaign have driven political leaders into engaging in corruption after getting elected to office, opined Obaidul Quader. He criticised the Election Commission (EC) for not taking any action against those who use crores of money on their electoral campaigns.
Speaking about the role of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the minister emphasised establishing the ACC as an impartial, independent and authoritative body in order for corruption to be curbed and for development to take place.
The ACC stipulation, which says it will have to take permission from the authorities concerned before the filing of any case against any government officials, should be amended to strengthen the body, said Quader, who is also presidium member of the ruling Awami League.
Politicisation in state-run institutions, including educational institutions, hospitals, press clubs, is one of the major reasons for corruption, he opined.
Addressing the function as special guest, ACC Chairman Ghulam Rahman said corruption occurred when a huge gap between demand and supply were created in society.
A motive of profit among politicians is one of the major reasons for corruption, he said.
Claiming that there were some constraints for the ACC in conducting impartial investigations into any case, Ghulam Rahman said the ACC should be given full freedom to work impartially.
Despite the government's recommendations, the ACC had not withdrawn 300 cases, said the ACC chief while pointing out different steps against corruption.
Speaking at the function, Hasanul Haq Inu, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on post and telecommunications, said military rulers in the past were responsible for corruption in Bangladesh.
He too stressed the formation of an independent investigation commission to reduce corruption.
The Independent Editor Mahbubul Alam chaired the seminar, while private television channel Boishakhi TV Head of News Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul moderated it. Bangladesh Open University professor Mamtazuddin Patwari presented the keynote paper.
Former vice chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Moniruzzaman Miah, The Daily Sun Editor Prof Syed Anwar Husain and The News Today Editor Riazuddin Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
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