Dhaka: The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today called on the government to permanently eliminate all direct and indirect opportunities for whitening undisclosed money by issuing an ordinance. The organization urged the Finance Adviser to take immediate action to remove certain provisions that are deemed corruption-friendly, unconstitutional, and discriminatory, to set a precedent.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, TIB highlighted in a press release that amnesty measures for whitening undisclosed wealth have been implemented 21 times since the country’s independence. These measures have discouraged honest taxpayers while simultaneously fostering corruption and facilitating its expansion. The press release noted that the previous authoritarian government had allowed such amnesty without scrutiny for the fiscal year FY25. However, the interim government revoked the provision, which had permitted the whitening of undisclosed money upon payment of a 15 percent tax.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasized their strong demand for the government to abolish existing provisions that enable the whitening of undisclosed amounts. He asserted that these provisions contradict section 20 (2) of the constitution. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also expressed optimism for a favorable response, noting that a formal letter has already been sent to the Finance Adviser regarding this issue.