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Corruption corroding ruling party

Published : Wednesday, 12 June, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 311
Rajeev Ahmed
The Awami League has historically positioned itself as a champion of the common people, fighting against corruption and injustice. However, these recent allegations severely damage this image. The partys claims of good governance seem empty when its own officials are accused of enriching themselves through illicit means.

While perusing vintage videos of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on YouTube, I was captivated by a particular speech and found myself replaying it multiple times. In this speech, he lamented, "Pakistan has stripped us of everything, leaving only the corrupt behind. Had these corrupt individuals been taken as well, I could have endured." I believe this speech was recorded around 1973-74. Tragically, he and almost all of his family members were brutally murdered in 1975. Its interesting to note that despite the passage of time, the Awami League of the past and the current Awami League share similar allegations of corruption among their key supporters and influential party members.

The Awami League, Bangladeshs ruling party, has been enjoying a period of relative stability and economic growth. However, recent allegations of corruption and abuse of power against high-ranking officials, including the former Chief of Army Staff, General Aziz Ahmed, and the former Inspector General of Police, Benazir Ahmed, have cast a long shadow over the partys legitimacy and its chances in future.

In any democratic government, public trust is the foundation. When there are allegations of corruption at the highest levels of power, this trust is directly undermined. Citizens view such actions as a betrayal of their mandate and a system that is rigged in favor of the elite. This disillusionment can lead to a decrease in important and loyal supporters of the Awami League.

The Awami League has historically positioned itself as a champion of the common people, fighting against corruption and injustice. However, these recent allegations severely damage this image. The partys claims of good governance seem empty when its own officials are accused of enriching themselves through illicit means. This loss of moral high ground gives opposition parties ammunition to paint the Awami League as no different from past regimes.

The sanctions against General Ahmed for alleged corruption by the US Department of State have put Bangladesh under international scrutiny. Such actions raise questions about the state of governance in the country and could potentially deter foreign investment. Additionally, international pressure can encourage domestic civil society groups to further expose alleged corruption within the Awami League.However, it is important to note that both the government and the anti-corruption commission have been accused of playing chicken with top officials and not investigating the US claims of corruption and human rights violation. This lack of action further undermines the publics trust in the government and its institutions.

The responsibility of tackling corruption ultimately falls on the ruling party. The Awami League holds a strong majority in parliament and significant influence over law enforcement agencies. This allows them to initiate investigations, strengthen anti-corruption bodies, and ensure fair prosecution if necessary. The party leadership sets the ethical tone for governance. Public statements condemning corruption and a clear commitment to transparency can go a long way in deterring future wrongdoing. Ignoring these allegations could significantly backfire in governance. People of Bangladesh may hold the Awami League accountable for failing to address corruption within its own ranks.

While investigations into specific cases are crucial, long-term solutions require legislative measures. Asset Reporting and Inheritance Tax laws have proven effective in other countries like Singapore and Bhutan. Asset Reporting requires public and private employees to submit detailed asset lists upon employment commencement and disclose any increases exceeding a set threshold during their tenure. This transparency measure can significantly limit corruption by making it easier to identify and investigate cases of illicit enrichment, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, and facilitating the recovery of stolen assets in corruption cases.

A carefully designed Inheritance Tax, such as a 40% levy on the assets of deceased business owners and private citizens, can also limit corruption. The prospect of a significant portion of their wealth being taxed upon their death may dissuade individuals from amassing illicit wealth. By taxing inherited wealth, these laws prevent the perpetuation of inherited wealth, which can often be a product of corruption. The revenue generated from inheritance tax can be used for public welfare programs, thus redistributing the wealth back to society.

While these laws alone cannot eradicate corruption, they can significantly limit its scale and impact. By promoting transparency, accountability, and fair wealth distribution, Asset Reporting and Inheritance Tax laws, coupled with strong investigations and a commitment to good governance, can play a crucial role in the fight against corruption. The success of this approach, however, will depend on robust enforcement and a broader socio-political context that prioritizes ethical conduct and civic engagement.

The writer is Editor at geopolits.com



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