Anti-corruption
activists and legal experts have called for a ‘greater national unity’
to rescue Bangladesh from systemic graft, warning that the country is
currently operating like a patient on oxygen.
Speaking at a
National Convention for an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission at
Dhaka University's Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on Monday,
members of the National Coordination Committee Against Corruption
(ACNCC) presented a radical 11-point charter designed to transform the
nation into a ‘moral and humanitarian welfare state’.
Retired
judge of the High Court Division Justice Md Emdadul Haque noted that two
advisers, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser for the Ministry of
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Brig Gen (retd) Dr M. Sakhawat
Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, had initially agreed to
attend their gathering but later claimed they were too busy with work.
This change was described as a ‘munafiqer chorom drishtanto’. (clear
example of hypocrisy)
Speakers expressed significant frustration
and scepticism 'mafia syndicates' towards the invited advisers of the
interim government, as well as the Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus. The
primary criticisms involve their perceived lack of commitment to the
anti-corruption movement and their failure to engage with the reform
proposals.
Prof. Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, Acting President of
ACNCC, and General Secretary Sarwar Wadud Chowdhury argued that a
minority of 13%, comprising 'mafia-syndicates' and 'political villains',
is holding the remaining 87% of the population hostage.
The
committee urged the public to ‘hate the corrupt’ and sever all social
ties with those involved in bribery, even within their own families, as a
matter of ‘faith and duty’.
The proposed reforms include the
mandatory public disclosure of assets for all state officials, including
President and Prime Minister.
Activists noted that since 2004, they have engaged with over 10 lakh citizens in their movement.
Sarwar
Wadud Chowdhury estimated that just 7,140 dedicated and honest
officials, ranging from union chairmen to secretaries, are needed to
effectively govern the state and eliminate mafias within two months.
He
reflected on his lifelong devotion, stating that he has taken
"Bangabandhu’s" name as many times as he has taken the name of Allah.
He
described Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as an ‘undisputed leader’, grouping him
with other major figures like Maulana Bhashani and Sher-e-Bangla AK
Fazlul Huq.
There is a sharp distinction made between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, Sheikh Hasina.
Sarwar
Wadud Chowdhury expressed deep regret that a ‘scoundrel’ like Hasina
was born in "Bangabandhu’s" house, blaming her family's actions for the
current public disrespect shown toward 'Bangabandhu’s sculptures'.
He
said Dr Yunus is described as a ‘paka kheloyar’ (skilled player), but
the sources suggest a growing tension or ‘friction’ between his
leadership and political parties like the BNP. There is a concern that
the government's advisers and the chief adviser ‘mafia syndicates’ are
engaging in what one speaker called a ‘tamasha’ (farce or joke) with the
very ‘mafia syndicates’ and corrupt business families (such as
Bashundhara) that the movement seeks to hold accountable.
Senior lawyer Zahir Ahmed shared a poignant account of the ‘brain drain’ caused by this environment.
He
pointedly critiqued ACNCC's 24-year history, questioning whether they
had been able to bring even a single corrupt person before the nation.
He
contrasted this with his own actions, claiming he had personally caught
five corrupt individuals, and challenged the committee to catch at
least one and ensure their ill-gotten property is returned to the state
treasury.
Zahir Ahmed also recounted a personal confrontation
with an official who allegedly demanded TK 12 lakh to process a simple
application, highlighting the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
Speakers lamented the ‘leadership crisis’ across all levels of society.
Bir
Pratik Lieutent Colonel (Retired) Mudassira War-wounded Hossain Khan, a
war-wounded freedom fighter, noted that while the 2024 mass uprising
brought hope, the nation's 64 districts can only become 'Singapores' if
the current 13% of 'scoundrels' are removed from power.
While acknowledging his massive contribution, he states that Mujib would not be called an 'angel'.
He
shared the story of his own daughter, a former judge, who fled to
Canada after facing pressure to issue politically motivated rulings.
The
convention drew inspiration from international examples, citing
Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, who famously vowed to ‘rise from the grave’ to
deal with corruption in his government.
Activists warned that
without a unified national government of ‘good people’ from all
professions, the country risks remaining a ‘factory of hypocrites’ where
the poor continue to suffer while the elite walk free with their
wealth.
ACNCC concluded with a call for self-reform, reminding
attendees that 'patriotism is a part of faith'. They argued that the
2024 uprising must lead to a complete overhaul of the governing system
rather than a mere change of faces, ensuring that no future autocrats
can emerge from the shadows of corruption.
NRE/NSA
