Ministry clarifies state minister’s remarks following TIB criticism

The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has clarified a remark recently made by State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.

The clarification was issued following a statement of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today criticizing the remarks of the state minister.

The ministry clarification said a section of media described the state minister’s remark as an attempt to legitimize bribery under the guise of gifts, which was untrue and misleading.

In fact, in his formal address the state minister instructed newly recruited assistant engineers of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to carry out government development works promptly and transparently while maintaining quality standards.

He also urged them to ensure the quality of work, rise above personal relationships and make payments to contractors accordingly.

The statement encouraged the conduct of official activities through established procedures while maintaining the quality of work.

It also instructed officials to strictly follow the PPR and PPA in government expenditure and procurement.

However, by going beyond the main address, a certain quarter circulated some remarks made during an informal conversation between the state minister and the newly recruited assistant engineers through various media outlets in an attempt to make him controversial.

The clarification said comparing the state minister’s remarks with the legitimization of bribery is not only undesirable but also a form of political propaganda against the government's anti-corruption stance.

The government has always believed in transparency, accountability and a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, it said adding “No opportunity exists for anyone holding a responsible position to receive illegal benefits outside any lawful process.”

Nevertheless, the state minister for local government expressed regret and apologized to the media for his remarks at a workshop at LGED Building this morning (November 11), attended by municipal administrators, chief executive officers and engineers. He also withdrew those informal remarks.

He further stated that no government official was associated with those remarks.

Everyone has been urged to cooperate with the government in curbing corruption instead of spreading confusion over the state minister’s remarks.

LGRD ministry has sought cooperation of media professionals in eliminating corruption in government activities and ensuring transparency and accountability.