Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday expressed deep concern over the graft in the country's health sector and irregularities occurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
Besides, the anti-graft watchdog expressed concern over the gradual rise of incidents of violence against women and children and continuous institutional and non-institutional pressure on the media.
The TIB members voiced the concerns during the annual members' meeting that was held virtually, said a press release.
During the meeting, the TIB members called upon the authorities concerned to ensure effective participation of youths in fighting global disastrous events like the coronavirus pandemic as well as in the decision-making process to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Besides, they called upon the government to work for ensuring flourish of effective institutions those uphold transparency and accountability.
They also urged the authorities to ensure safe and orderly banking system to bring back people's trust in the sector.
Moreover, they stressed for implementing the promises of building a democratic Bangladesh through taking effective measures in curbing corruption.
TIB members also expressed deep concern over the failure of Anti-Corruption Commission and other related institutions in controlling massive corruption that persists in the country, despite sufficient legal basis.
They think, TIB has been subjected to "unwanted and premeditative" comments because of its activities and research reports, which turned out to be an ill-attempt to avoid responsibility.
They said as TIB is adamant to be impartial while conducting its institutional activities, similarly people involved in the institution are also adamant to maintain political impartiality both in personal and professional surroundings.
Some 44 TIB members with different professional identities, who have been involved in the institution on the basis of voluntary services in social movement against graft, participated in the meeting.
Moderated by TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, the conference was chaired by Kazi Mohammad Mortuza Ali, representative of members at the TIB general assembly.
After the meeting, attending TIB members in a declaration paper voiced concern over the increase in violence against women in Bangladesh and other parts of the globe amid the pandemic.
Besides, they expressed deep concern for increase in rape incidents like an epidemic due to lack of justice.
They called for ensuring proper punishment to culprits as an effective measure to stop violence against children and women and incidents of rape.
The TIB members said crisis in the country's already corrupt health sector deepened further amid the pandemic.
They said misuse of the Digital Security Act (DSA) turned out to be a matter of concern nationally and globally.
Media has been forced to maintain "self-censorship" due to pressure created in the name of DSA and other related laws, which contradicts the spirit of the independent Bangladesh, the TIB members said.
