Questions have been raised about the government’s sincerity in fighting corruption. The question has become more pressing after the recent revelations of corruption among some top bureaucrats. The government has already announced a zero tolerance policy against corruption. This policy remains largely rhetorical. Because corruption in the country has increased at a massive rate. Even though the news of corruption of some bureaucrats has been leaked, the government is running on the issue. A quick investigation should have been arranged. Bringing the accused to justice. But the government is moving so slowly that the accused are missing this opportunity. It may seem that the government wants to give the accused a chance to survive.
The anti-corruption commission-ACC’s investigation against the former IG of Police Benazir has seen the slowness of the government. He and his family were given a notice to appear before the ACC. Benzir was always a VIP under police guard. However, it was found that after the notice of the ACC, there is no trace of him. There are reports in the media that he may have gone abroad.
We have seen the case of PK Halder fleeing abroad after looting thousands of crores of rupees from banks and financial institutions. Immigration police said he left the country just two hours before the ACC letter reached them. This should not happen if the court order, awareness of ACC and joint efforts of law enforcement agencies work properly. We could have called it a coincidence if the next big crooks had not been able to escape.
The same scenario is happening in the case of Md. Matiur Rahman, the former member of the National Board of Revenue. The charges against him are serious. He should be OSD. The government has earlier OSD many officials who were not accused of serious dishonesty. Motiur’s position has also created confusion like Benazir. Although he has already joined IRD through Lok. But no one can say for sure where he is. According to unconfirmed reports, his family members are leaving the country and he has already left the country. Earlier, a former top police official also got the opportunity to leave the country after being accused of corruption. However, he said that he had gone for treatment from abroad. Will be back soon. But even after several days, there is still no news of his return.
The government has not been prompt enough to take action against any of the recent corruption issues we have mentioned. Instead, many doubts have been created in the government’s behavior. During the tenure of this government, we have seen the activity of judiciary and law enforcement. State institutions have shown considerable skill in taking action against opposition parties and dissidents in particular.
The moral position of the government needs to change. Letting criminals off the hook cannot go on at all.