Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government not to keep the provision of whitening ‘black money’ in the budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
The anti-graft advocacy group made the call in a statement sent by its Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.
It said: “This option effectively rewards irregularities and corruption and discourages honesty. At the same time, it presents the government as the defender and patron of corruption.”
“We’re urging the government not to give this opportunity, which is contrary to the Section 20(2) of the Constitution, bowing down to the pressure of any unholy quarter,” it added.
The statement said the opportunity of legalising untaxed money stood against the long-term Vision-2021 and sixth Five-Year Plan.
It urged the government to arrange for discussions on the allocation for every sector, including the defence sector, in and outside Parliament.
The organisation demanded disclosure of ‘more specific information’ on the allocation in defence sector to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Defence spending should be made open to discussion to ensure ‘credibility’, it added.
It also demanded publication of the latest information on expenditure on website and in media.
Source: Bd news24
