Anti-corruption awareness

And Bangladesh, perceived as the most corrupt country for fourth consecutive year by Transparency International, was only expected to sign up to the charter. Bangladesh also being usually prompt in embracing international conventions should have signed it earlier. However, better late than never, Bangladesh is expected to sign it soon. What we didn't realise was that not signing the charter so far could have sent wrong signal about the country's image. Commitments by each successive government since the nineties to fight corruption and bring accountability have been oft-repeated. But they all seemed strong in rhetoric and short on action.

Though much delayed, an anti-corruption commission has been formed recently. But we still have a long way to go before ensuring accountability in the governance. And that is until we appoint an Ombudsman and separate judiciary from the executive, which are prerequisite for combating corruption.

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Unfortunately not being a signatory to the charter the government didn't have a programme to observe the day while private organisations including Transparency International took up elaborate programmes highlighting the cause.