TIB presents 16pt recipe for UNCAC execution

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has offered a 16-point recommendation to enhance the implementation of the UNCAC, expressing concern over the growing illicit flow of funds out of Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the anti-corruption watchdog pointed out a paucity of decisive and coordinated measures to curb these illicit outflows and repatriate laundered money.
Keeping this trend in view, the TIB suggested restoring the authority of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to freely investigate such offences through amending the Anti-Money Laundering Act and Rules.
The agency voiced its concern and made the recommendations at a press conference in Dhaka city on Thursday.
The TIB reviewed the report on the implementation of chapters II and V of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Bangladesh.
This parallel report, sponsored and commissioned by TIB with financial support from FCDO, SIDA and SDC, was crafted to contribute to the national review of UNCAC implementation in Bangladesh's second cycle.
TIB executive director Prof Dr Iftekharuzzaman presented the report at the event where TIB chairperson Sultana Kamal addressed the audience.
The UNCAC, adopted in 2003 and effectuated in 2005, is the first internationally accepted, legally binding universal convention.
Bangladesh acceded to the UNCAC on 27 February 2007.
"… There are concerns that Bangladesh is increasingly moving towards restrictions on civic space, basic liberty, and democratic and human rights," said Dr Zaman.
"Concerns about the shrinking of space conducive to civil society, media and people at large to play an anti-corruption role consistent with article 13 of the UNCAC have continued unabated."
Bangladesh has made various laws related to corruption and accountability, a positive step that signifies the country's potential for combating these issues.
Nevertheless, according to Dr Zaman, inadequate implementation and enforcement of laws, rules and regulations are impeding efforts to curb corruption and irregularities effectively.
The Cyber Security Act 2023 has been assessed to have reproduced similar repressive provisions as the Digital Security Act 2018, reads the report.
The new law has, hence, created wide scope of use and abuse to control dissent, free speech and free media, it said categorically.
Of the 16-point recommendation, the report proposed guaranteeing complete independence and enhanced professional capacity of the ACC, freeing it from political and bureaucratic influences.
It also advised eliminating challenges arising from legal and policy amendments that compromise the ACC's jurisdiction, scope and operational flexibility.
The review of Bangladesh's chapters III and IV for the first cycle was concluded in October 2011.

sajibur@gmail.com