Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman stressed the need for major structural reforms in the country's anti-corruption framework, saying the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) must be reformed in the near future to ensure effective governance and accountability.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Thursday.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that although the specific issue of the ACC leadership crisis was not discussed during the meeting, the question of restructuring and strengthening the institution as a whole received importance.
"To make anti corruption activities effective, it is necessary to ensure institutional capacity and independence, not merely policy declarations," he said.
According to him, the existing structure of the ACC contains several limitations that require resolution through institutional restructuring and legal reform measures.
He said Transparency International Bangladesh placed a number of recommendations before the government concerning election pledges, good governance and corruption prevention. "The Prime Minister has shown a positive attitude on these issues and agreed in principle to implement them," he added.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman further said Bangladesh now has an opportunity to project its anti corruption commitment internationally. In this regard, he disclosed that interest had been expressed in hosting the 2028 International Anti Corruption Conference in Bangladesh and that the government had given its consent in principle.
"If such an international event is held in Bangladesh, it will improve the country's image and highlight its anti corruption position more clearly before the world," he said.
He also emphasised that an effective anti corruption drive requires not only legal measures but also "political will, institutional transparency and a culture of accountability" working together.
