Transparency International Bangladesh executive director Iftekharuzzaman on Wednesday said that reforms of the political parties could eliminate the culture of corruption from the society.
At a discussion marking the International Youth Day at Abul Karim Sahitya Bisharad auditorium of Bangla Academy, he said that political criminalisation and dominance of businessmen in politics caused corruption and lack of democratic practices in the political parties.
Iftekharuzzaman said that business was the main profession of 59 per cent lawmakers of the present parliament and they got involved in politics in exchange of money for making more money.
He said that politics in Bangladesh was now considered as a way to enjoy more benefits and facilities.
The anti-corruption activist said that as the political leaders were behind all democratic achievements and socio-economic progress of the country, they should reform the parties to ensure democratic practice and to build a corruption free nation.
He said that the demand for reforms of political parties must come from the general people as they were the owner of the state and the political parties should honour the people’s demand.
He urged the young generation to be vocal against corruption and to unite to eliminate corruption from the society.
TIB Trusty Board chairman Sultana Kamal said that taking additional benefits misusing power was also corruption and this practice would not exist in the society if the young generation continued to protest against it.
Marking the International Youth Day, the TIB organised a two-day youth fair against corruption that began on Wednesday with a colourful anti-corruption procession brought out from in front of the Teacher-Student Centre at the Dhaka University in the morning.
Members of Youth Engagement and Support, a TIB’s anti-corruption programme for youth, coming from different parts of the country joined the procession.
TIB will organise an anti-corruption cultural function at Dhanmondi’s Rabindra Sarobor Muktamancha in this afternoon. The cultural function will feature drama, Gambhira dance, Pala music, concert and various cultural programmes to be performed by artistes coming from different parts of the country.
Source: New Age
