Corruption galore

Syed Abed Ali is perhaps the one who grabbed the highest media attention as a professional (ex)-driver. Media outlets are competing with each other to run stories on him, detailing his and his family's wealth and businesses after allegations of corruption committed by him started to surface. Media reports suggest that all the property he and his wife own is worth at least Tk 500 million at different places in the country. There is nothing wrong with former drivers making a fortune. Many people in our society started their careers with modest jobs, but later rose to the pinnacle of success and earned fame by dint of their astute business sense and honesty. What is wrong with Abed is that he amassed the money allegedly by highly unfair and unethical means - the leak of question papers in recruitment tests and Civil Service exams conducted by the state's top recruitment agency - the Public Service Commission. Certainly, Mr Abed was not alone; several mid-level officers of the statutory organisation in collaboration were involved in the crime. They all own assets worth several hundred times more than their legal income would permit. In the way of earning money illegally, they caused double damage. They shattered the dreams of many job seekers whose opportunities were stolen by those who accessed leaked questions on the one hand and tarnished the reputation of the Public Service Commission, which until the question leak hit the headlines would enjoy highest respect, on the other.
Media reports say that Mr Abed has confessed to his link to leaking questions of numerous exams, including the most competitive Bangladesh Civil Service exams, during police grilling. He did not deny his involvement in the crime even in conversation with newsmen. A video clip has gone viral across social media platforms that shows him telling a journalist that he committed the crime but he spent all the money he earned (from question leaks) on the path to Allah. Anyone knowing him personally, following him on social media or coming across him will endorse he is an ardent follower of religion. Social media platforms are flooded with photos and videos of Abed Ali saying prayers on the beach, in buses, on wheels and where not. Being devoted to religious practices is a good virtue, but unfortunately many show them off only to camouflage their bad deeds and earn respect. Following the teaching of religion and remaining involved in immoral activities or crimes simultaneously is forbidden in Islam. The verse 45 of Surah Al-'Ankabut says genuine prayer deters one from immorality and abomination.
Anyway, the crime and corruption committed by PSC question leakers is simply the tip of the iceberg that this society has allowed - better say encouraged - to accumulate. Here money has become synonymous with honour, power, influence and what not --- no matter how it is earned - legally or illegally. Strangely, political parties, unions and clubs or religious organizations do not distance themselves from corrupt persons. They rather chase persons earning infamy by committing corruption for donation. The situation is getting worse with every passing day. There was a time in society when people would point the finger at corrupt people and keep away from them. We need to return to those days but we do not know when it will be possible or if it will be possible at all.

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