Form separate authority for public servants’ accountability: DCCI

The government should form a separate authority to ensure accountability of the public servants to curb corruption and to ensure proper use public money, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Rizwan Rahman said today.

Noting that accountability is often neglected in public expenditure, he said even accountability is often absent among the businessmen.

"To ensure accountability, a separate authority should be formed to curb corruption," he said at a webinar on the proposed budget for 2022-23 fiscal year.

The Asia Foundation (TAF), the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) jointly organised the event.

At the event, Daily Prothom Alo's Head of Online Shawkat Hossain Masum proposed for forming a public expenditure review commission.

Planning Minister MA Mannan, however, did not give any positive notion about forming any separate authority to ensure accountability of public servants.

Referring to the government's recent move to offer unquestioned amnesty to legalise undisclosed money of Bangladeshis abroad, Mannan said none taken money abroad for bringing those back.

"I personally believe that the chance is very little for bringing back money through amnesty. In my life time I won't expect that money will come back from Swiss Bank."

He, however, said such facility has been offered considering the practical situation.

"If money comes from abroad, then it's good. If not, there will be no loss," he said, adding that such amnesty should be applicable only for once and the government should be strict enough not to repeat this benefit.

Executive Director of RAPID Abu Eusuf and RAPID Chairman Mohammad Abdur Razzaque also spoke at the event chaired by ERF President Sharmeen Rinvy.