TIB demands removal of CEC, others

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other high officials to quit on allegations of financial irregularities.

It expressed grave concern over the electoral officials' reported mismanagement of funds in the last national and local-government elections.

The officials in question took a lump sum of Tk 20 million in 'speech allowance' for attending workshops across the country as course consultants and special guests.

The Dhaka chapter of the global corruption rater in a statement on Tuesday demanded immediate resignation of the officials involved in the financial malfeasance.

It also sought to set up a panel of investigation into the allegations in order to uphold the constitutional body's reputation and dignity.

TIB made the demands after a media report on Tuesday accused EC of taking Tk 20 million in the name of conducting ad attending those workshops during polls.

TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "It's an utter unethical and unfortunate job that was allegedly done by the CEC and other commissioners who are holding constitutional positions."

"It is unprecedented in the history of the independent Bangladesh of raising such allegations against all the EC high officials," he mentioned.

Dr Zaman said it is also a clear violation of law, misuse of power and utter corruption in taking money without attending the programmes.

The EC has signally failed to meet people's expectations in recent elections.

Besides, the accusations against the officials have further eroded public confidence in the commission, according to the TIB statement.

Dr Zaman urged the CEC and ECs to step down only to keep the dignity of the constitutional body.

He demanded a proper investigation into the matter to hold those involved accountable to the nation.

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