TIB denounces money-whitening opportunity

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced concern over the money whitening opportunity provided in the fiscal 2014-15 budget.

In a statement today, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said it has now become clear that the government’s policy-structure has been gripped by graft.

He said despite the finance minister’s and the MPs’ open stand against the unethical provision, the scope of legalising black money continues, which is “embarrassing and frustrating for us.”

“The scope of whitening black money is against the Article 20(2) of the country’s constitution and also contrary to the government’s commitment to bring the stolen money back home,” the TIB executive director said.

He said if the provision of whitening black money continues, corruption will be rewarded and honesty discouraged by breaching the government’s commitments to establish good governance and prevent corruption.

Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to cancel the opportunity given in the budget for whitening black money.