Dhaka:Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on State Minister for Local Government Rural Development and Co-operatives, Mir Shahe Alam, to withdraw his recent remarks concerning the acceptance of gifts from contractors. TIB demands a public apology from the State Minister and seeks a formal explanation from the government regarding these comments.
According to United News of Bangladesh, TIB expressed strong disapproval of the State Minister's remarks, which appear to legitimize bribery under the guise of gifts. The organization has urged the government to ensure the State Minister's accountability and to verify the authenticity of the advice reportedly given by a senior secretary mentioned in his remarks.
TIB's Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, criticized the notion of accepting gifts as a reward for engineers performing their routine duties. He emphasized that engineers are already compensated through public funds to carry out their responsibilities, and accepting such 'gifts' could be seen as encouraging bribery. TIB also pointed out the legal implications, highlighting that accepting rewards beyond authorized remuneration is punishable under Section 161 of the Penal Code and other related rules.
The controversy arose after the State Minister reportedly suggested at a training event that gifts from contractors' profits, given after the prompt payment of bills and provided the quality of work is maintained, do not constitute bribes. TIB has demanded the withdrawal of these remarks and seeks clarification from the government on whether this reflects its official position.
Iftekharuzzaman also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, questioning how engineers can remain impartial if they accept benefits from contractors whose work they oversee. He warned that such practices could lead to increased corruption and undermine equal opportunities for other contractors.