The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Preventive measures and motivational campaign would be an effective mechanism to protect society from the vicious cycle of corruption instead of combating the menace.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Lt. Gen. Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury said while addressing a series of meetings with the members of district and upazila level corruption prevention committees of Rajshahi division at ACC head office here yesterday.

The ACC Chairman made a fervent appeal to the committee members not to act as a combating force against corruption excepting considering them as simply volunteers dedicated to raising awareness against corruption among the general people.

"You have to understand the preventive measures and acquire some knowledge about the cause of corruption and ways and means to contain vice effectively instead of combating it," he said.

Terming the responsibility of the grassroots committees as a very sensitive one," he said, "you have to probe that you are not involved with the ACC to realise any personal interest, but to serve the nation.

Commissioner Habibur Rahman, Secretary of the ACC Mokhles-ur Rahman, Director General (research) Abu Taleb Mia and a number of members of the corruption prevention committees spoke, among others, on the occasion.

Around 376 members of district and upazila committees of seven districts in Rajshahi division turned up in the meeting on the first day of the three-day programme.

On the second day, 302 members of 48 upazilas of Noagaon, Joypurhat, Bogra, Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi and Natore districts will take part and on the final day, 157 members of 25 upazilas of Gaibandha, Sirajganj and Pabna districts will attend.

The ACC chairman said more then 70 percent people of the country do not opt for corruption despite facing financial hardship. So, why you will allow other 30 percent people to continue the malpractice at the cost of the nation? he asked.

Appreciating the efforts of the members of the grassroots committees, he said it's good news for me and for the nation that you have submitted your wealth statement to the ACC before being the member of the committee.

"I sincerely hope that none of you will go for any persuasion or show interest in any matter with regards to anti- corruption drive or cases in your areas," the ACC chairman requested the members.

He urged them to involve the cross section people including youths, women, farmers, day-labourers, professionals, businessmen, students and new generation with the motivational drive against corruption to turn it into a social campaign.

To a suggestion from the participants to introduce a separate chapter on anti-corruption issues in the textbook, the ACC chairman said a chapter has already been incorporated for the college students.

The Commission will request the government to introduce a similar chapter for the students at secondary level, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, members of the grassroots level committees said the anti-corruption drive will have a very remarkable impact on not only erasing the bad name of Bangladesh, but also changing the political and socio-economic condition of the country.