Dhaka: Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today described boundless corruption as the ‘biggest problem’ in Bangladesh, stating that the previous Awami League government has elevated corruption to unprecedented levels. Corruption not only significantly increases costs but also negates all governmental and public efforts, rendering goals, policies, and institutional frameworks meaningless, Yunus said in a televised address to the nation on the eve of the great Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Yunus emphasized that the government, business community, industrialists, investors, and citizens are compelled to operate under these unwritten rules of corruption. He highlighted that citizens must become adept at surviving within this system. Yunus expressed that the global perception of Bangladesh as a nation lacking integrity is not only a national disgrace but detrimental to international trade relations. He stressed that both the local and international communities desire a corruption-free Bangladesh for the expansion of trade and commerce.
Yunus stated that his interim government prioritizes creating a corruption-free environment. He assured that efforts are in place to maintain a corruption-free tenure and to ensure future freedom from government-sponsored corruption. Emphasizing the prevention of corruption and harassment, he announced the introduction of e-filing in government offices to eliminate the need for physical visits for routine governmental interactions. This system aims to reduce corruption and track the status of files within offices.
The government is working to provide online services to alleviate the financial burdens citizens face when accessing government services. Yunus encouraged public input on simplifying online service access and offered training opportunities for those interested in providing these services commercially. He revealed steps to withdraw harassment cases filed during the previous government, with 6,295 political harassment cases recommended for withdrawal and 413 cyber-related cases already withdrawn.
Amendments to the Power of Attorney Rules have reduced the harassment of expatriate Bangladeshis, allowing them to execute power of attorney from abroad with appropriate documentation. The government’s decision to digitize the air ticket purchasing process has decreased ticket prices by 50 to 75 percent, benefiting expatriates in the Middle East. Additionally, land services are being digitized to offer corruption-free access to land-related documents and transactions.
Yunus announced a restructuring of the National Board of Revenue into separate departments for policy formulation and revenue collection, aimed at preventing revenue evasion. He highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and creativity, particularly among the youth, to propel Bangladesh into the global market. Initiatives are underway to cancel police verification for passports, facilitating quicker issuance and the introduction of electronic passports with potential home delivery services.
The chief adviser concluded by noting the enthusiasm of officials responsible for passport issuance in implementing these changes swiftly, aiming for a future where citizens can receive passports from the comfort of their homes.