Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today expressed concern over ruling Awami League's announcement to form partisan "relief committee" at ward level to help local administration in relief distribution.
Although all kind of participations irrespective of political affiliation is imperative due to the gravity of the crisis the nation is facing now, it is doubtful how far the political "relief committee" will play a positive role considering media reports on theft and grabbing of relief goods in different parts of the country, the graft watchdog said.
In the statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said it has to be ensured that the role of the political relief committee remains within the limit of assisting the local administration and it not becomes a platform to influence the administration.
"The country and the countrymen are now passing a severe crisis. Marginalised population is in worst condition," the TIB executive director said.
"Government support has to reach all of them and there is no chance of political consideration or personal liking and disliking here," he said.
"The prime minister has given her clear directives in this regard including her stance against corruption, and we want to be assured that such stance of the head of the government will be reflected strictly in the relief distribution activities.
"We are getting news everyday over relief theft and grabbing from different parts of the country, and sadly those who are accused of being involved in the incidents, almost all of them have political identity," Dr Iftekharuzzaman said.
He said "in such reality, it is not unusual to worry whether or not the new initiative to form relief committee" would increase corruption.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman also suggested to make public the list of the beneficiaries, amount of relief and distribution dates and publish those on the website of union parishads so that media and mass people can get a chance to scrutinise irregularities and shortcomings, if any.
