Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said corruption can be drastically reduced in Bangladesh if there is strong and sincere political will, noting that ethical leadership is essential to prevent social and economic deterioration.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion organised by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to mark International Anti-Corruption Day.
The event was chaired by ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen. BIDS Director General Dr A K Enamul Haque and ACC Commissioner (Enquiry) Brig Gen (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid attended as special guests. ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Miah Mohammed Ali Akbar Azizi, ACC Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim, and senior officials were also present.
‘Society must restore zero tolerance for corruption’
Dr Salehuddin emphasised that systemic reforms and strong social resistance are vital in combating corruption.
“There was a time when corrupt individuals were socially shunned. People looked down on them, and they even struggled to marry off their children. Today, society often embraces or honours them. We must rebuild a culture where corruption is condemned,” he said.
Highlighting large-scale financial irregularities, he added: “Ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial sector is crucial. When corruption reaches thousands of crores of taka, no punishment can fully compensate for the damage. Information must come from every segment of society.”
‘Corruption evolves like a science’
Speaking as special guest, BIDS DG Dr A K Enamul Haque said corruption cannot be eradicated anywhere in the world through punishment alone.
“We need to strengthen social awareness. Bangladesh faces 14 to 15 types of corruption, but we mostly talk about bribery. Corruption has become a science—new methods are invented regularly,” he said.
‘Prevention is the only effective strategy’
ACC Commissioner (Enquiry) Brig Gen (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid stressed the need for full transparency in government projects.
“All project details must be published online, and any updates should also be made public. Once money is stolen, recovering it becomes extremely difficult. Prevention is the only effective approach,” he said.