TIB against black money whitening provision

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday reiterated its concern over the budgetary provision to legalise black money, and called upon the government to refrain from this unconstitutional, unethical and discriminatory provision.
TIB also called for greater openness, transparency, public debate and scrutiny of all the budgetary allocations, including that for defence.
In a statement, TIB executive director Dr Iftekhruzzaman said they are encouraged that the government is ‘reportedly’ willing to discontinue the provision for whitening black money in the national budget 2014-15.
 “We call upon the government to demonstrate the capacity to remain firm, and instead of yielding to any unholy pressures of vested quarters, refrain from making this provision, which is contradictory to article 20(2) of the Constitution,” he said.
Iftekhruzzaman said this unethical provision practically rewards corrupt practices and discourages honesty. It also sends out a wrong message that the government acts as the protector and promoter of corruption and illegality, according to UNB.