Fighting graft: Top bureaucrats pledge strict watch, punishment

Key takeaways from secretarial meeting

• Strict action will be taken if corruption is proven
• The Code of Conduct for Government Officials will be amended soon.
• There is a rule requiring asset statements to be updated every five years
• The cleanliness policy will be updated
• Monitoring will be strengthened to ensure service seekers are not harassed

The country's top bureaucrats have vowed to enforce stringent penalties against any officials found engaged in corruption, as part of the government's efforts to combat irregularities in the administration and ensure good governance.

The decision was made during a secretarial meeting held in the conference room of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat this (4 July) afternoon, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain.

In addition to addressing complaints from the public promptly, secretaries of each ministry and division have been instructed to closely monitor the delivery of services by their subordinate organisations to ensure proper execution.

The agenda of the meeting included discussions on integrity, good governance, the government's election manifesto promises, and the proper implementation of the current budget.  

The meeting is considered highly significant after the exposure of substantial ill-gotten wealth amassed by numerous former and current officials, including former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and former National Board of Revenue official Matiur Raman.

"In government agencies providing services to the public, complaints against any official should be addressed with the utmost seriousness, and decisive action must be taken if corruption is proven," the cabinet secretary said while briefing journalists after the meeting.

He mentioned that a month after the current government started its term in January this year, the first meeting of secretaries decided to hold another meeting in July.

"Today's (Thursday) meeting essentially reviewed the implementation progress of the previous one. We discussed budget implementation and the election manifesto. Additionally, we reviewed the progress in implementing instructions issued by the prime minister in official work," he said.

"Many reform policies are over 12 years old, and there is consideration for updating them now. This matter has been discussed, and the process of updating the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1979 is underway. Its progress has been reviewed, and I expect a final decision soon."

When a journalist pointed out that a similar decision had been made in the previous secretary meeting but the code of conduct was not updated, the cabinet secretary responded, "Let's see how things progress."

When asked if there was any discussion regarding the corruption of government officials, given recent exposures involving several former or current officials, the cabinet secretary responded, "No, we will not single out individuals for discussion. We do not address the wrongdoings or complaints of a few by involving so many secretaries."

At the conclusion of the event, two secretaries were observed discussing among themselves as they left the venue, "Good governance is the key. If we ensure good governance, everything else will fall into place."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a secretary emphasised that it is not enough for the head of a ministry or division to maintain cleanliness; all employees within their organisations must also adhere to ethical standards, avoiding bribery and corruption. The secretary stressed the need for strict oversight to ensure subordinates do not engage in unethical activities, with legal action swiftly taken against offenders.

The secretary highlighted the government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, emphasising its rigorous enforcement. Secretaries have been directed to conduct surprise visits to subordinate offices to assess operations and service delivery.

Regarding budget implementation, austerity measures are stressed, likening government expenditures to personal family expenses.

The secretary noted directives to curtail unnecessary foreign travel, emphasising prudent fiscal management.

Overall, there was consensus that the entire administration should not be held accountable for the actions of a few corrupt officials.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a secretary revealed that the proposed amendment to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules-1979 mandates the periodic accounting of assets every five years, with provisions to investigate any suspicious asset-related information.

The draft rules specify, "Upon joining service, every government servant shall disclose, in the prescribed format, all movable and immovable assets convertible into cash, including shares, securities, insurance policies, and ornaments, owned or held by them and their family members."

Another secretary, present at the meeting, noted a consensus on the importance of asset accountability for government officials and their families. However, objections were raised against making this information public, suggesting that officers will submit details of their assets to relevant authorities.

Concerns were also raised about potential conflicts with provisions of the Income Tax Act regarding asset disclosure. Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, chairman of the National Board of Revenue, supported this viewpoint.

Furthermore, it was agreed that secretaries would spearhead efforts to mobilise social opposition against corruption. Emphasising action over rhetoric, they resolved to pursue maximum penalties for proven corruption within ministries, departments, or organisations under their oversight.