Ensure enforcement of PM’s pledge: TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday called for strict and unbiased enforcement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's pledge that no irregularity will be tolerated in government response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In a press statement, the graft watchdog said the PM's statement confirms that there is no alternative to highest level transparency and effective corruption control for successful response to this type of major crisis.
Referring to a March 28 statement by TIB, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the organisation, said the premier's strong statement was well-expected. "As much as the Prime Minister's pledge is encouraging, it is now incumbent upon her party leaders, activists, supporters and beneficiaries to effectively enforce it."
The statement said it is also natural that in order to meet the crisis and manage its evolving socio-economic impact, activities like public procurement and distribution need to be fast-tracked. In spite of such obligation, all measures must be taken to ensure accountability and transparency. Under no circumstances can anyone be allowed to indulge in undue profiteering and take advantage of this crisis for immoral and illegal enrichment.
"The supply chain of essential food and daily necessities including perishable products must be maintained steadily ... Failure to maintain the supply chain of essential consumables and perishable goods will deepen the crisis and push the farming population of rural areas in particular into extreme disadvantage and poverty", the statement said.
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