Despite having substantial evidence of undeclared assets belonging to former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife Rukhmila Zaman Chowdhury, the authorities concerned have failed to take action against them.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) highlighted this case as a clear example of partisanship and ineffectiveness within key institutions, particularly at the leadership level.
The institutions include Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
TIB emphasised that there is no alternative to strengthening and comprehensively reforming these institutions to effectively combat corruption and money laundering and to ensure accountability by identifying those involved in such crimes.
Since December last year, no progress has been made despite the disclosure of specific information regarding the former land minister's undisclosed assets abroad and widespread public concern, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
Terming this highly disappointing, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman pointed out that on December 26 last year, following the release of TIB's report titled 'Candidate Profiles in Affidavits,' along with the 'Know Your Candidate' dashboard and subsequent media reports, the public and relevant authorities became aware of the former land minister's investments and ongoing business activities in the UK, totalling over Tk 23 billion.
On March 4 this year, through a collaborative initiative between TI UK and TIB, all specific information, evidence, and documents uncovered in TI UK's investigation were sent to the BFIU, ACC, CID, NBR, and the Attorney General's office.
The TIB statement also says: "Although the institutions have ample proof, they failed to take any discernible action against the former land minister."
The TIB ED further stated that the lack of action demonstrates that these institutions have become ineffective due to partisan influences, with their leadership exacerbating this ineffectiveness.
In reality, the misuse of authority has legitimised money laundering and the acquisition of undeclared assets.
The relevant institutions need to undergo a thorough overhaul in 'new Bangladesh' consistent with aspirations of the student movement.
Without such institutional overhaul, the vision of a state that is free from corruption, well-governed, democratic, and accountable will remain a pipe dream, the statement added.
sajibur@gmail.com