The ruling BNP led government’s first 100 days have created a sense of possibility and hope, but concerns remain regarding the establishment of good governance and the implementation of its anti corruption commitments, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). TIB says that 605 people were murdered in March and April alone during this 100 day period.
Various crimes, including rape and extortion, have continued. Nineteen university vice chancellors were removed before the completion of their terms.
These observations and findings were presented yesterday at a report titled “100 Days of the Government After the 13th National Parliamentary Election: Monitoring the Establishment of Good Governance and Implementation of Anti Corruption Commitments” at MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. During the event, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that through the July uprising and the 13th parliamentary election, people had hoped for a state system that would be governed by accountability, transparency and freedom from corruption.
He said that although the government came to power with overwhelming public support and pledged to reform state institutions and prevent corruption, more visible actions are needed to achieve those goals. He added that the government had failed to fulfil a number of promises. In particular, it did not honour its electoral commitments by appointing party affiliated individuals as administrators in city corporations and 42 district councils.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the Anti Corruption Commission should play a role in investigating corruption allegations against several former advisers of the interim government.
“No one is above accountability,” he said. Referring to the government’s approach toward the Anti Corruption Commission, he described it as self defeating and said the existence of the commission was extremely important. He termed the failure to form the commission within three months as unfortunate and embarrassing. He also stressed the need to prevent the transfer of the commission’s authority to secretaries. Expressing concern, he highlighted allegations of partisan appointments in various institutions.
605 Murders in the Government’s First 100 Days
TIB claimed that incidents of murder, abduction and other crimes occurred at an alarming rate during the government’s first 100 days. According to the report, there were 605 murders, 294 robberies, 90 dacoities and 196 abductions during March and April. During the same period, there were 129 attacks on police personnel and 2,214 theft cases.
In addition, there were 3,496 incidents of violence against women and children. Between 78 and 102 women were victims of rape, 30 to 36 were victims of gang rape, and between 49 and 71 children were subjected to rape during the period.
The report stated that the precondition for implementing BNP’s 31 point state reform agenda and election manifesto is the establishment of good governance and effective anti corruption measures. The new government assumed office amid challenges including economic instability, high inflation, weaknesses in the banking sector, deteriorating law and order, energy shortages and public health crises.
TIB acknowledged several government initiatives to address these challenges. These included refusing duty free vehicles and government plots, avoiding state protocol, announcing performance evaluations for ministers and increasing oversight across ministries. According to TIB, these measures reflected the government’s goodwill.
However, the organisation believes that some government actions and statements by senior officials are inconsistent with BNP’s electoral commitments. This has raised questions about the government’s actual commitment to good governance and anti corruption efforts.
According to the report, the lack of visible progress in restructuring key institutions such as the Anti Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission and Information Commission during the first 100 days has created long term risks for controlling corruption, protecting human rights and ensuring the free flow of information.
Although the government has publicly declared an anti corruption stance, TIB observed that the culture of “now it is our turn” remains visible in various sectors. Allegations have emerged of politically motivated appointments and postings within the police, administration, government institutions, Bangladesh Bank, commercial banks, local government bodies and educational institutions, which contradict electoral promises.
TIB also noted that despite declarations of a strict stance against mob culture, extortion, law and order deterioration and criminal activities such as drug trafficking, theft and robbery continue in markets, transportation sectors, bus terminals and truck stands. Allegations of political and administrative patronage have been raised in many of these cases.
The organisation also expressed concern about continued violence against religious and cultural diversity and actions that undermine freedom of thought.
Establishing an Effective Parliament
TIB stated that although there have been some positive developments, visible initiatives to establish an effective parliament are still lacking. The report noted that most parliamentary committees have yet to be formed and the government’s position on amending Article 70 of the Constitution remains unclear.
It also observed a lack of effective discussion or initiatives regarding important issues such as trade agreements with the United States and public health challenges like the measles outbreak.
TIB further expressed concern over a lack of coordination among ministers, state ministers and advisers, as well as the appointment of controversial individuals as ministers, including people facing criminal charges and loan default allegations.
Judiciary
In the section on judicial activities, TIB noted several positive developments, including initiatives to reorganise the prosecution and investigation agencies of the International Crimes Tribunal to accelerate trials related to allegations of controversial activities and crimes against humanity.
The report also mentioned the death sentence handed down to an accused in the rape of a nine year old child in Meherpur, with the verdict delivered within 29 working days, as well as progress in the case involving the murder of Sohagi Jahan Tonu ten years after the incident.
However, TIB said the practice of filing cases, withdrawing cases and granting bail on political considerations continues. It observed that old patterns remain in the treatment of individuals holding dissenting views.
The report alleged that while cases filed against members of the ruling party are being withdrawn quickly, politically motivated harassment cases continue to be filed against journalists and members of opposition political parties, with bail repeatedly being delayed.
TIB also observed that although the public had high expectations regarding justice in the murders of journalist couple Sagar and Runi, Muniya and Taqi, the lack of progress in these cases is creating disappointment among the public.
The report was presented at the press conference by TIB Senior Research Fellow Md Zulkarnain and Research Fellow Razia Sultana. Also present were TIB Adviser Professor Sumaiya Khair, Director of Research and Policy Muhammad Badiuzzaman, Research Associate Md Shahidul Islam and others.
