Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman Iqbal Mahmood at a programme on Monday identified corruption as the root cause for lack of good governance in the country.
"Undoubtedly, there is lack of good governance in the country and corruption is the main impediment to (ensure) good governance," he said.
He also said collective efforts with the participation of all stakeholders including social activists are needed to win the fight against corruption as the ACC cannot combat the menace alone.
"If anybody believes that the ACC can prevent corruption alone, it is impossible," he said, adding that social organisations should create pressure against corrupt people.
The ACC chief made the observations while speaking at a panel discussion during a daylong 'SHONAK-SHUJON, Yes-Yes Friends, YPAC national conference-2018' organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC).
Member of TIB-affiliated social platforms like SHONAK (Shocheton Nagorik Committee), Shujon (Citizens for Good Governance), Youth Engagement and Support (YES), and Young Professionals against Corruption (YPAC) took part in the summit.
In his speech, Mr Mahmood also said a social movement is indispensable to win the fight against corruption.
Addressing the summit, he said no one can win a fight without might. "The power to fight against corruption will originate from thousands of social platforms like you," he said.
Explaining the relation of the ACC with the countrymen, he said it is an organisation of all people in the country.
"I want to tell you without hesitation that the ACC is not an organisation for the government," said Mr Mahmood.
"The ACC has not been formed to remain obedient to any government rather it is an organisation for the people," he added.
Terming the fight against corruption 'difficult', he urged the social platforms and young generation to be vocal against malpractices.
Highlighting the ACC's involvement with the common people, he said: "We are neither above you nor under you, but with you".
In response to a query regarding the ACC's views in taking steps against big fishes, he said it is not easy to uproot large trees as in case of small ones.
"To win the war (against corruption), you need to be strategic.., sometimes you advance and sometimes retreat," he said.
It is not completely true that the ACC fails to take actions against big fishes, he said, adding that there are some visible examples of such actions have become available in recent times.
"Through such actions we have given them (powerful persons) a message that nobody is untouchable … they will be taken care of in time," he said.
He also said the ACC will welcome any criticism from TIB or other platforms as such practice will help the watchdog to evaluate its activities.
Founder of 10-minutes school Ayman Sadiq, and founder and managing director of Karigar Tania Wahab also spoke at the panel discussion on 'People's involvement in anti-corruption movement'.
TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, former adviser to the caretaker government and former chairperson of TIB trustee board M Hafizuddin Khan attended the inaugural ceremony.
Around 2,000 participants took part in the summit.
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