Transparency, accountability, and political goodwill combat corruption: Dr Salehuddin

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the Finance Adviser, emphasised on Tuesday the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in all aspects of society, as well as the goodwill of political leaders in combating corruption.

"The main concern is to ensure transparency and accountability in all sectors. If political leaders have goodwill, society will be saved from decay, and corruption will be reduced," he stated.  

He made the remarks while attending a discussion meeting as a chief guest at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theatre Auditorium in Dhaka.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, presided over the discussion marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2025.

The Adviser stated that corruption will be reduced only after a social movement is formed to combat the wrongdoing and offenders are punished.

"Not only will exposing offenders to justice help to reduce corruption, but so will social resistance to corrupt elements," he said.

He claimed that while people used to despise corrupt elements and avoid them as bad people, they are now racing to respect them.

As a result, the Adviser has focused on changing the mindset of showing respect to corrupt people.

Salehuddin stated that punishment can never compensate for corruption.

"What punishment will be appropriate for the person who swindled millions of dollars? "He cannot even compensate for the country's losses if he remains in jail indefinitely," he said.

The adviser referred to the corrupt officials as "smart", claiming that they are the bankers of the bankers who discover newer ways to commit corruption.

"The familiar people with them become frustrated after witnessing their lavish lifestyle," he explained.

However, the Finance Adviser praised the current Anti-Corruption Commission for its efforts to combat corruption.

"The current role of the Anti-Corruption Commission has created panic among corrupt people," he stated.  

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 is being observed across the country today in accordance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.