No alternative to overhauling BFIU, ACC, relevant institutions: TIB

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said there is no alternative to strengthening and comprehensively reforming institutions to effectively combat corruption and money laundering and to ensure accountability by identifying those involved in such crimes.

"Despite substantial evidence of undeclared assets belonging to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife, Rukhmila Zaman Chowdhury, the authorities have failed to take action for an extended period," TIB said in a statement.

The TIB highlighted this case as a clear example of partisanship and ineffectiveness within key institutions, particularly at the leadership level, including the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Since December of last year, no progress has been made despite the disclosure of specific information regarding the former land minister's undisclosed assets abroad and widespread public concern, it added.

Terming this as disappointing, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, "On 26 December last year, following the release of TIB's report titled 'Candidate Profiles in Affidavits,' along with the 'Know Your Candidate' dashboard and subsequent media reports, the public and relevant authorities became aware of the former land minister's investments and ongoing business activities in the UK, totalling over Tk2,300 crore."

On 4 March of this year, through a collaborative initiative between TI UK and TIB, all specific information, evidence, and documents uncovered in TI UK's investigation were sent to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Attorney General's office.

"Although the institutions have ample proof, they failed to take any discernible action against the previous land minister. Visible movement on this topic has only occurred after the government's fall and the resignation of the BFIU head, which is seen as a positive indication. Nevertheless, the persistent inquiry remains: why was no action implemented sooner, despite the significant evidence?" he said.

The TIB executive director mentioned that "the lack of action demonstrates that these institutions have become ineffective due to partisan influences, with their leadership exacerbating this ineffectiveness.

In reality, he said, the misuse of authority has legitimized money laundering and the acquisition of undeclared assets.

"The fact that the government agencies are supposed to be looking into financial corruption in the nation have fostered corruption and have opened the door to corruption themselves by hiring, promoting, and providing unscrupulous benefits to party affiliates is a cause for concern," he said.

The former land minister's enormous overseas assets accumulation that remains undisclosed is only the "tip of the iceberg," said the TIB.

"These institutions need to undergo a thorough overhaul as part of the drastic changes that the student movement and the new Bangladesh are projected to bring about. The goal of a state that is free from corruption, well-governed, democratic, and accountable will remain a pipe dream otherwise," said the TIB ED.