NEW YORK Sep 28 (UNB): Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has sought the international community's support for Bangladesh to recover the ill-gotten gains of the corruption that remains abroad.
"Democracy itself has been the victim of this corrupt culture. Politicians, businessmen and even the civil servants are often the perpetrators, secure in their immunity within the system. It is imperative that we free the country from corruption," he said while delivering a lecture at Asia Society here Thursday.
Fakhruddin Ahmed, who is here to attend to the UN general assembly session, said corruption has seriously constrained Bangladesh's true economic growth potential, and its ill-effects have corroded vital public institutions.
The Chief Adviser said for any democracy to sustain and deliver, there must be a corps of dedicated and talented bureaucrats free from political interference and bias.
But, he regretted that over the years bureaucracy in Bangladesh became tainted and political expediency became the norm of the day.
Even the Public Service Commission, a constitutional body of the state, was not spared.
"The influence of black money and muscle has eroded public confidence in the system of governance," he said, adding that his administration has considered it an utmost priority to strengthening the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) to enable it to root out corruption.
The Chief Adviser said many corrupt individuals are now being prosecuted under the law of the land after strengthening the ACC.
"We hope that the international community will lend its full support to Bangladesh in its efforts to recover the ill-gotten gains of corruption that remains abroad," he said.
President of the Asia Society Vishakha N Desai presided over the function styled 'Conversation with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed on Democratic Institution Building in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities.'
A number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in USA and foreign nationals put up questions to the Chief Adviser in connection with politics, corruption, election, army's role in the government and press freedom. The programme continued for an hour from 7pm (local time).
About the army's involvement in the government, the Chief Adviser said the present government is a constitutional government and assumed the office by taking oath in accordance with the Constitution.
He said army is assisting the government in improving law and order, anti-corruption drive, facing natural calamities like flood and relief and rehabilitation works. He said, obviously, the army is a part of the government.
Replying to a question, Ahmed said the situation in Bangladesh and Pakistan is not the same, saying press freedom exists in Bangladesh as well as public opinion is strong. Media is working as linkage between the people and the government.
To another question, he said all advisers of the caretaker government are working united with a common philosophy to establish genuine democracy in the country and give firm foundations to independent Institutions.
The Chief Adviser said they are trying to break the vicious cycle of corruption so one does not need black money to contest in the election and honest, dedicated and competent person feel encouraged contesting.
He said if the ongoing anti-corruption drive becomes successful, it would send strong signal, which will ultimately break down the cycle of corruption.
Replying to a question, Ahmed said none is above law but everybody will get access to due process of law of the land.
To another question, he said he would be proud if his government can present a free, fair election acceptable to the people at home and abroad. But, he would be worried if the process of institutional reforms cannot complete successfully.
About the general election, the Chief Adviser said the Election Commission is now fully functional and pursuing measures for the next general election to be held by the end of 2008.
He said the EC has already announced a complete roadmap towards that end, and the caretaker government will do everything to ensure that this goal is achieved.
About the establishment of a competent administration, Ahmed said as far as current civil servants are concerned, his government has put emphasis on high moral and performance standards "where there is no room for the incompetent and the corrupt."
He said, "We hope to leave a healthy legacy so that all democratically elected governments in future will understand that the civil service cannot be used as a political tool."
Ahmed said a bureaucracy, which is accountable to the people through its transparent public actions is of paramount importance for a sustainable democracy.
He also told the discussion that the caretaker government is seriously working to separate the judiciary from the executive and set up National Human Rights Commission.
The caretaker government, he said, believes in the free flow of information as vital for any functioning democracy. He said the government is pursuing a Right to Information Act, which he hoped would substantively transform the political and democratic landscape of Bangladesh.
About religious extremism, he said Bangladesh has categorically rejected those who use the name of Islam to unleash terror, whether at home or abroad.
"The perpetrators of terror and those who back them have been and will be pursued with equal vigour," he said, adding that a significant number of extremists have already been handed down punishments and others are facing trial.
"We are also finding ways and means of addressing the root causes that seduce young people on the margins of society to extremist views. Massive education, employment and other inclusive social programmes are therefore needed to mainstream these fringe elements," he added.
The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that the next elected government would continue with the efforts initiated by the present caretaker government towards sustaining and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.
CA seeks int'l support to recover ill-gotten money from abroad
FE Team | Published: September 29, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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