Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has emphasized that neither business nor development can function effectively unless corruption is eradicated.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, Prof. Yunus highlighted the devastating impact of corruption, stating that the previous authoritarian government had elevated corruption to unprecedented levels. He pointed out that corruption not only leads to excessive costs but also distorts government and public initiatives.
"The world now perceives us as a nation that does not uphold honesty. This is not just a national disgrace—it has dire consequences for international trade. While the people of this country yearn to be free from corruption, the international community also expects the same, as they seek to expand business and trade with us," he said.
He stressed that without eliminating corruption, businesses and commerce in Bangladesh would struggle to function. "There is no alternative—we must rid ourselves of corruption," he asserted.
Prof. Yunus reaffirmed the interim government's commitment to a corruption-free administration. Beyond ensuring that the current government operates with integrity, he emphasized the need to establish systems that will prevent future governments from engaging in corrupt practices.
As part of this initiative, the government is taking steps to eliminate bureaucratic harassment. "To curb corruption and inefficiency, we are working towards a system where citizens no longer need to visit government offices for routine administrative tasks. One key measure is the introduction of e-filing in all government offices. Once fully implemented, this system will help track files efficiently and reduce opportunities for corruption," he explained.
