No alternative to overhauling BFIU, ACC, relevant institutions: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has emphasized that there is no alternative to strengthening and comprehensively reforming institutions to effectively combat corruption and money laundering and to ensure accountability by identifying those involved in such crimes, reports UNB.

Despite substantial evidence of undeclared assets belonging to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife, Rukhmila Zaman Chowdhury, the authorities have failed to take action for an extended period, TIB said. The TIB highlighted this case as a clear example of partisanship and ineffectiveness within key institutions, particularly at the leadership level, including the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the National Board of Revenue.

Terming this highly disappointing, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, "On December 26 last year, following the release of TIB's report titled 'Candidate Profiles in Affidavits,' along with the 'Know Your Candidate' dashboard and subsequent media reports, the public and relevant authorities became aware of the former land minister's investments and ongoing business activities in the UK, totalling over BDT 2,300 crore."