EU keeps eye on change in ACC act
The European Union is keeping an eye on the proposed amendment to Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 as it believes corruption adds huge cost to development of any country.
Newly appointed EU Ambassador to Bangladesh William Hanna said this at a press conference in the capital yesterday.
“We are against corruption and aware of the ongoing discussion on this matter,” he added.
The envoy of EU, a major development partner of Bangladesh, observed that corruption is a hindrance to prosperity and distracts development.
Replying to a question on the role of microfinance in alleviating poverty and recent 'removal' of Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus from Grameen Bank, Hanna said his experience in Africa and Latin America makes him believe microfinance is certainly an important instrument in development.
“The EU opposes extra-judicial killing…. I think the government's electoral manifesto also includes zero tolerance to it,” added the Irish-born diplomat.
He was in a jubilant mood receiving greetings from journalists over the win of Ireland against England in a Cricket World Cup match on Wednesday.
The ambassador pointed out that Bangladesh's export to EU is expected to grow even faster against the last year's estimate of six billion euro.
Stressing improved business climate, he also noted that more countries, particularly the Scandinavians, are interested to invest in Bangladesh.
“When they invest, they look into the whole picture of a country,” noted the envoy.
Hanna expressed EU's intention to facilitate village courts to ensure rural people's access to justice.
He also mentioned the EU would maintain its support to projects targeting the most vulnerable groups of people to improve earnings, access to housing, water, sanitation, food, education and healthcare.
In his written statement he pledged EU's continued backing for democracy, human rights and good governance.
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