Propose governance, anti-graft as distinct goals on SAARC agenda

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called upon the government to propose inclusion of governance and anti-corruption as distinct goals in the agenda of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The TIB urged the Bangladesh Prime Minister to take the lead to work together with her peers at the November 22-27 SAARC Summit in Kathmandu to undertake regional cooperation initiatives to control corruption effectively.
The anti-corruption watchdog, which sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Office on November 5, also called upon the Bangladesh delegation to specifically propose the 5-point issue at the summit, according to a press release.
The TIB urged the PM to impress upon other SAARC member-states to recognise corruption as a challenge of highest priority for countries of the region individually and collectively. It said corruption must be addressed by multi-dimensional strategic interventions with particular emphasis on challenging impunity without fear or favour.
The TIB also pleaded for undertaking effective regional initiatives to mutually share experiences and to cooperate in controlling corruption, particularly its cross-border dimensions including illicit flow of corrupt money and resources.
It called upon the Bangladesh delegation to commit to ensure people's access to information and strengthen institutions of accountability, particularly those mandated to control corruption and consistent with Article 13 of UN Convention against Corruption, to facilitate and enhance greater engagement of people at large, media and civil society to complement the government efforts against corruption.
The letter drew attention of the government to its election manifesto of 2008 and 2014 as well as the Perspective Plan and the 5-Year Plan which consider good governance as the centre-piece of state policy and make commitments against corruption.
Drawing attention to some important initiatives taken by the government to strengthen the legal and policy structure to control corruption, the TIB argued that its proposal is consistent with pledges made by the government, as with the National Integrity Strategy adopted in October 2012.
The TIB also noted the government's participation in many regional and international initiatives for governance and anti-corruption.
The letter also said all South Asian governments recognise corruption as a key predicament against economic development, poverty alleviation, rule of law and justice.
TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said, "Bangladesh has the track record of taking such initiatives in various international and regional forums including the SAARC. The Prime Minister and her delegation can once again take a proactive role to propose governance as a distinct agenda of cooperation and to create opportunities for mutual learning, sharing and collaboration to control corruption, particularly in cross-border dimensions".
A similar appeal, jointly signed by executive directors of TI chapters in India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, has been made to respective heads of state or government.
It may be recalled that due to an earlier effort by Bangladesh and prompted by the TIB, the 14th SAARC Summit recognised in para 27 of its Declaration that corruption was an issue of serious concern and agreed to exchange information on national experience to effectively control it.    

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