Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government is working to ensure greater transparency and accountability in public administration and provide quick, hassle-free services to people to reduce the scope of corruption.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while responding to an emergency notice under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure raised by opposition Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker M Moktar Ali of Jashore-6 at the Jatiya Sangsad. Salahuddin Ahmed, who is also responsible for handling Cabinet Division affairs in Parliament, emphasized the government's commitment not only to combating corruption but also to fostering an environment where corruption opportunities are minimized, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in public services.
Referring to the government's electoral manifesto, Salahuddin highlighted that the "Bangladesh First" policy has been embraced as the guiding philosophy of governance. Based on this philosophy, the government is prioritizing the establishment of a transparent, accountable, fair, and welfare-oriented state system to strengthen democracy and good governance.
In pursuit of these goals, the minister announced that 495 corruption prevention committees have already been established at various administrative levels, including city, district, and upazila levels. Furthermore, the intelligence and enforcement units of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are actively conducting operations to prevent and investigate corruption. Emphasizing public engagement, Salahuddin noted the importance of national hotlines 999, 333, and 106, which are instrumental in receiving complaints and allegations.
To address corruption, irregularities, and misconduct among government employees, necessary actions are being undertaken under existing laws and regulations. Allegations are investigated, and administrative actions are taken in accordance with the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Legal proceedings may also be initiated under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, among other relevant laws.
On the subject of overseeing development projects, Salahuddin mentioned several key mechanisms, including Project Implementation Committees (PICs), Project Steering Committees (PSCs), and the Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (IMED). These bodies play crucial roles in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, the government has decided to establish three-member monitoring teams, comprising additional secretary-level officials from various ministries and divisions, to closely oversee government activities. The monitoring teams, formed by the Cabinet Division, have already commenced their duties.