The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Saturday told the visiting chair of the Board of Directors of Transparency International, a global anti-graft watchdog, that reforms basically reduce the scope of corruption and strengthen the foundation of democracy.

"All reforms will strengthen the base of democracy in the country," he said, referring to various institutional reforms being carried out by the present caretaker government alongside the ongoing combat against corruption.

Chair of the TI board of directors Dr Huguette Labelle, who called on the CA at his office, highly appreciated the caretaker government's performance and successes in a short time, particularly the anti-corruption drive, under the leadership of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.

The Chief Adviser said his government has recast the Anti-Corruption Commission and further strengthened the commission to keep the anti-corruption drive on stream.

He said the government also focused on reform and strengthening local government structure and would hold election to the local bodies.

Referring to simplification of issuing passport, introduction of client-service charter in various utility service-providing organizations and introduction of online system of various forms, Dr Fakhruddin said reform, simplification and less physical presence of clients reduce chances of corruption.

He also mentioned the recent formation of the Regulatory Reforms Commission (RRC) under his personal initiative to amend centuries-old rules and regulations and create new ones suiting needs of the time.

Dr Huguette said they found local government an area of major corruption and TI is making some tools to help governments cope with corruption in local-government sector.

Regarding information about offshore bank accounts, the TI chair said Bangladesh deserves support of the international community to have access to information from the international banks. The Chief Adviser said support has been sought from the World Bank and other central banks in this regard.

On election, the head of caretaker government reiterated that the stalled election would be held before the end of 2008. "The government is focusing on holding a free, fair and credible election and ensuring that future elections are also held in high standard," he told the TI chief.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TI Bangladesh, Secretary to the CA's office Kazi M Aminul Islam and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were also present.