Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has stated that the failure to take effective action against individuals involved in land grabbing, extortion, and establishing dominance is an ominous sign for the government. The organization suggested that alongside bringing those involved to exemplary accountability, the ruling party should initiate self-cleansing efforts across the country. TIB made these remarks in a written statement on Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, TIB expressed deep concern over the attack, looting, and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP health center in Dhaka's Mirpur, clashes over the control of a water body in Kishoreganj, and the vandalism of a content creator's office. Meanwhile, police have arrested nine people in connection with the attack on the Radda health center and reported recovering two trucks of looted goods.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that the allegations of looting, vandalism, and forcible occupation at an institution providing healthcare to poor mothers and children for nearly 50 years, allegedly under the patronage of a reserved seat Member of Parliament and in the presence of police, are extremely alarming. He also remarked that such incidents set an embarrassing precedent for the government.
In the statement, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that following the political shift, allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and dominance are being raised against a section of BNP leaders and activists across the country. Such complaints are emerging in various sectors including bus terminals, footpaths, markets, water bodies, sand quarries, hat-bazaars, cable, and internet businesses.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that competition and clashes are also occurring among party activists centering on these activities. Although daily, monthly, and lump-sum extortion allegations persist, the failure to take effective action to control the situation has further normalized it.
Citing the clashes over the Kishoreganj water body and the vandalism at the content creator's office, the TIB Executive Director said these are not isolated events, but part of a continuum of incidents occurring since August 2024. Such incidents are tarnishing the government's good initiatives and sincere intentions while sending a negative message to the public.
The TIB Executive Director further stated that although organizational actions, including expulsion, have been taken in some cases against party members, tougher steps are needed to prevent grabbing and extortion. If law enforcement agencies fail to take effective action due to political affiliations, there is a risk of re-establishing a culture of authoritarianism, corruption, and impunity.
The organization demanded immediate, proper investigation into each incident and bringing the culprits under exemplary punishment.
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Reported by Staff Reporter, Dhaka • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
