The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Executive Director of Transparency International of Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman yesterday underscored the need for creating awareness among the people in combating corruption and repression on women.

The TIB executive director stressed the issues of mass awareness and women empowerment while addressing a press conference at the National Press Club here on Wednesday. The conference was organised in observance of the International Women's Day.

He said the TIB and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will jointly organise an anti-corruption concert on the premises of Gulshan Youth Club in the city on March 8.

Noted singers of the country will take part in the concert and present popular songs to inspire people in establishing the rights of women and alerting them against corruption, Dr Iftekhar said.

Director General of the ACC Abu Taleb Mia and popular singers including Fahmida Nabi, Shahed, Bappa, among others, spoke at the press conference.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said women are the worst victims of corruption and for this reason they have decided to hold the concert on the occasion of International Women's Day to motivate people, particularly the youngsters, against corruption.

"Jago Manush, Nari Odhikare Jago," - "Wake Up People, Wake Up for Women's Rights" - is the theme of the concert, he said.

Singers Kangalini Sufia, Azam Khan, Fahmida Nabi and Shahed and band groups Souls, Renaissance, Maksud O Dhaka, Dalchut, Orthahin, Jatree, Kafil, Mehrin, Krishnakoli and Kranti will take part in the concert, he added.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Dainik Samakal, Weekly 2000, Banglavision, BDNews 24.com, Radio Today, Radio Furti, Radio Amar and online services, Amadergan, Bangladeshinfo, Metronet and Anirbanonline will be the event's media partners.

The youths, including the students, are expected to enjoy the concert. The TIB would send free coupons to educational institutions for distribution among students. Entry coupons will be available at the offices of the event organisers and the radio stations, among the media partners, Dr Iftekhar added.

Abu Taleb Mia said, wherever there is corruption, there is repression on women and the women's rights are curtailed there. There is a link between the fight against corruption and movement for empowerment of the women, he added.