JS body points finger at shipping ministry

It is important to note that all these observations were made by the committee chairman who happens to be a ruling BNP lawmaker. The other committee members were in complete agreement. It is indeed ironical that while a decision was made at the committee's earlier meetings held on 4 May and 10 November last year that any decision for purchase of vessel would be taken only after due discussions at the committee, the committee was not summoned to discuss about the entire process of construction of a new vessel. It may not be irrelevant to mention here that quite some time back a similar question was raised involving a project to be executed by the same ministry under financing of Dutch Government when a charge of corruption was brought by the donor country against none other the minister himself.

Corruption in Bangladesh has reached horrific proportions -- something that is known the world over to our shame. It is thus imperative on the part of the government to do all it can to purge out all corrupt elements -- which has definitely become a high point of public concern. When the future of the nation and its good name is at stake removal of such individuals should be carried out forthwith and without any hesitation. However, such removal should be preceded by a fair and independent enquiry of the allegations leveled with the results made public. If this is not done the only way the nation would asses the matter is as the famous saying goes, "silence is the sign of admission", and in this case the burden of guilt will lie squarely and heavily on the shoulders of Administration.

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