Editorial
TIB report on MPs
Questioning the motive is denying benefit from it
That the government will be critical of the Transparency International Bangladesh's (TIB) survey report underlining the tainted activities of a high proportion of MPs does not come as a surprise. It was a predictable reaction. Our ruling party political leaders are not known to take criticism gracefully, even if that be constructive and well meaning. Any eye-opening messages contained in an independent appraisal is swept aside by a broad brush wholesale rejection.
Such dismissive attitude from the top towards any adverse findings on the MPs is neither helpful for the elected public representatives nor for the government of the day. Because, in the process, the MPs and the government deny themselves of the benefits that could accrue from the report had it been analysed, internalised and made use of with due diligence in a positive frame of mind.
Of course, the government is free to, and should, verify the veracity of the report before accepting it as credible or refuting it with informed knowledge. That the government would be only keen to put its best face forward is understandable, but even if part of the report is validated by the government's own finding then that itself would be worthy of its attention. The government has its own channels to get the TIB data checked on the ground. As far as we know the government is already made aware of the activities of the MPs. And because such negative reports have not been paid heed to, elected public representatives developed a sense of impunity indulging in questionable activities.
The present TIB report has been castigated by the PM in the same manner that the 2001 Transparency International report which had labeled the country as the 'most corrupt' in the world had been. Actually, that report was published by Transparency International from its headquarters in Berlin. It is interesting to note that when Bangladesh was subsequently labeled as the most corrupt for four consecutive years during the BNP's term in office, the AL would revel in the dubious distinction because it worked to the disadvantage of the BNP.
As for the report coming out in the last year of government's tenure, we believe that a leeway still exists for the MPs to make amends and for the government to rise in public esteem.
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