Punish relief, mask scamsters: TIB

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for an exemplary punishment to the people involved in irregularities while preparing the list of 50 lakh poor people for cash benefit during the coronavirus pandemic. 

At the same time, the graft watchdog has expressed its concerns over the delay in publishing a report on allegations of anomalies relating to the supply of N-95 masks and urged the authorities concerned to immediately bring the responsible persons to book. 

It expressed its strong reaction to the inclusion of many rich persons and relatives of people's representatives on the list of beneficiaries of the prime minister-announced programme to provide Tk2,500 cash support per person.  

In a press release on Saturday, the Bangladesh chapter of the Berlin-based corruption watchdog said that it has called upon the authorities to publish the list of the beneficiaries on website to make sure that the cash benefit goes to the real poor, deprived and those who are affected by the global pandemic.  

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the use of the same mobile number against the names of 200 beneficiaries – as per media reports – cannot be just a mistake. 

"We are disappointed and worried about the corrupt attitude and activities of a group unscrupulous people in the most significant pro-people initiative taken by the government during such a serious crisis of the nation," he added. 

He said the country and its people are passing through a very tough time. The ultra-poor people remain under the highest threat. Daily wage earners have joined the list. 

He appreciated the initiative taken by the prime minister.  

The TIB chief, however, said, "Irregularities at the local level in preparing the list, and incompetency and lack of coordination at the distribution level has made the entire process questionable, which is acceptable in no way." 

Referring to alleged irregularities in supplying N-95 masks for physicians and healthcare workers, he said the issue has not been resolved yet. 

"The minister could not yet make time to see the report on the irregularities even so many days after its submission and no action has been taken in this regard, which is very unfortunate," said Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

He said, "Now questions will arise whether the people involved in the irregularities have collaboration with a section of people in power, who are active to give them protection, or they are more powerful than the prime minister."

TIB believes that the government would not have faced unexpected incidents if exemplary punishment had been ensured against all irregularities relating to the coronavirus response initiatives, including the mask scam.