TIB recommends integrated strategy based on election manifesto, July Charter

TIB has recommended that the BNP government give top priority to implementing its commitments on good governance and anti-corruption by formulating an integrated strategy and roadmap based on the party's 31-point state reform framework, election manifesto and the July Charter.

The recommendations were made at a press conference titled "Strategic Top Priority for Implementing Government Commitments on Good Governance and Anti-Corruption: TIB Recommendations" held today (5 March) at the TIB auditorium.

In accordance with the integrated strategy and roadmap based on the election manifesto and July Charter, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman stressed that all implementable action plans must actively and mandatorily embed good governance and anti-corruption principles at their core.

He noted that without effective and visible control and prevention of corruption, the government's other commitments or initiatives cannot be properly implemented.

"While the government has significant opportunities and capacity to implement its anti-corruption commitments, it must identify the sources, nature, and processes of obstacles and risks and adopt strategies to mitigate them," he said.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman added that ordinances enacted during the interim government should be proactively disclosed for transparency, clearly indicating which will be presented to the 13th National Parliament and the rationale for any exceptions.

The recommendations also include taking the highest-level measures from both the party and the government to ensure zero tolerance toward corruption.

This is aimed at preventing the emergence of an "it is our turn now" culture that has become visible among many leaders, activists, and supporters of the ruling party, the BNP, as well as within the bureaucracy, business community, and professionals from various sectors.

The recommendations stress the need to ensure integrity and ethical practices across the party, its affiliated organisations, and all sectors aligned with the party.

The recommendation urges the adoption of a well-thought-out strategy to prevent forces within BNP from becoming irreversibly opposed to the government's success.

It also notes that misuse of authority, electoral victories, political or governmental positions, or public representation must not be treated as a license for corruption and should be strictly prevented.

A Code of Conduct for Elected Representatives should be developed in line with international best practices and stakeholder consultation.

The government must issue strict top-level directives against corruption, partisanship, extortion, and illegal appropriation, while implementing short-, medium-, and long-term plans to depoliticise state institutions and professional organisations, the TIB recommendation adds.