Background
TIB has since been working as a catalyst of social movement against corruption. It has elaborate research and advocacy programmes for policy change and institutional reform for creating conditions for reducing corruption and promoting good governance in Bangladesh. Since its establishment TIB has undertaken various activities–research, information, dissemination, campaign and advocacy to bring about greater awareness amongst the general public of the nature, extent and implications of corruption in Bangladesh across all sectors–public, private and non-governmental.
One of the early conclusions that TIB has reached is that fighting corruption and promoting transparent, accountable and efficient governance requires active and concerted citizens’ effort. TIB has, therefore, given priority to mobilizing and drawing support from constituencies of citizens by forming watchdog bodies – committees of concerned citizens – as a deterrent force against corruption, not only in key sectors of public service.
TIB has devoted itself to the task of mobilizing a social movement to curb corruption and to promote good governance in the public, private and non-governmental sectors through greater accountability, transparency and public participation. The main objective of TIB is to catalyze a conducive environment for reduction of poverty and promotion of justice and human security.
The Context
However, those who engage themselves in corruption, abuse their power – political, economic or social, within or outside Government – for personal gain. Corruption is also a behaviour or act that breaks away or contradicts from ethical and moral standard, laws and civic virtues. Corruption involves giving and seeking of favours, buying political influence, taking kickbacks, and bribes. Corruption may also include any or a combination of such acts as embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, negligence of duty, misuse of public or institutional fund and extortion.
Corruption is a menace that breeds and increases all forms of injustice it accentuates poverty, prevents development, and undermines democracy and governance. It prevents rule of law, distorts market and stifles economic growth. Corruption creates and perpetuates social and economic deprivation and inequality. Corruption leads to violation of basic constitutional and human rights. It breeds crimes, social frustration and discontent. Corruption undermines the processes and structures that could be conducive to poverty reduction and promotion of human security.
Corruption is nothing new, nor is it peculiar to any particular context. It takes place in greater or lesser degree in all countries of the world, irrespective of political and economic system, big or small, developed or developing. However, in a developing country like Bangladesh its impacts are most unbearable. Corruption has become a key issue of public interest in Bangladesh not merely because of the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International which has for the fourth successive year ranked Bangladesh at the bottom of the list, but more importantly because of the way corruption affects the lives of the common people. Irrespective of whether Bangladesh ranks at the bottom or higher in international comparison, there is a widespread public concern in the country about a pervasive presence of corruption. All the major political parties recognize corruption as a key national issue and almost invariably identify fighting corruption as a top electoral commitment.
Corruption must be fought comprehensively and strategically, combining both preventive and curative measures. Since the public sector is at the core of corruption and since corruption in the public sector is most unjustifiable and unbearable, it is incumbent upon the Government to lead the process. However, the people at large who are the ultimate source of power, have also a key role to play at both national and local levels to combat the menace by exerting pressure and demanding change, especially when the political will at the highest level is absent or not strong enough, and when the institutions of the national integrity system are not sufficiently effective.
It is in this context that TIB sees itself as a catalyst of social movement against corruption – a comprehensive drive to promote effective citizens awareness and participation as well as collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders, including the Government. The main task is to contribute to the creation of an environment in which corruption will be hated and rejected by everyone and the anti-corruption movement will gain stronger grounds at all levels of the state and society.
TIB’s work is against corruption and its powerbase, not against the government, or any particular department or institution thereof, nor is it in TIB’s mandate to investigate individual cases or allegations of corruption – big or small, local or national. TIB visualizes itself as a co-stakeholder and source of strength for all anti-corruption initiatives including the Government.
Vision, Mission & Core Values
Vision
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is an independent, non-government, non-partisan and non-profit organization with a vision of Bangladesh in which government, politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of the people shall be free from corruption.
In the context of the international movement against corruption, as the fully accredited national chapter in Bangladesh of the Berlin-based Transparency International (TI), TIB partners and cooperates with TI and its chapters worldwide.
Values
TIB is committed to values of democracy, justice, rule of law, transparency, accountability , integrity and impartiality.
Mission
TIB’s mission is to catalyze and strengthen a participatory social movement to promote and develop institutions, laws and practices for combating corruption in Bangladesh and establishing an efficient and transparent system of governance, politics and business.
TIB Staff
TIB has a staff of nearly 190 members, 113 of whom are based in Dhaka, and the remaining at the level of CCCs.
Governance
*Board of Trustees
*Governance Manual
*Code of Ethics
*Gender policy
*HR policy
*Admin & Financial policy
Members of TIB
Membership is open to anyone irrespective of religion, caste, community, sex, practices, beliefs and occupation. TIB is aware of the importance of organizational integrity and is determined to maintain the highest standard in relation to TIB Membership.
Members can substantially help the organization with its activities in research, program, publications, consultancy and fundraising. Members are invited to all public events organized by TIB, including roundtable discussions, press conferences, seminars, etc. Members receive quarterly newsletters together with any additional publications from TIB and are also informed of various TIB's activities on a regular basis through electronic bulletins and other means. They can also collect any reports or other documents released by TIB
Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) are held usually in December. A quarterly Members’ Day is also organized to facilitate “open house” for members during which members are free to visit TIB, discuss with members of the staff on any matters of interest connected with TIB programmes. The Members’ Day are intended to help closer interaction and participation of members in TIB activities. A representative of the Members can become a member of Advisory Committee of the Board.
There are four different types of membership. These are: Individual membership, Life membership, Donor membership and Patron membership. The List of TIB Life members are as follows:
1. Mr. Atma Bari
2. Mr. M. Shahedul Alam
3. Mr. Amirul Arham
4. Mr. S D Alam
5. Mr. Aftab Ul Islam
6. Mr. Mizanur Rahman
7. Mr. Habibullah N Karim
8. Mr. MBI Munshi
9. Md. Sahid Uz Zaman
10. Mr. Md. Motaher Hussain
11. Mr. Alhaj Drs/dr. Ahmed Momin
12. Mr. Asif A. Chowdhury
13. Mr. Yawer Sayeed
14. Mr. M. Mozammal Hoque
15. Mr. Miran Ali
16. Mr. Mohammad Hamidul Islam
17. Dr. Kaniz Siddique
18. Dr. Renu Luthfa
19. Mr. Zaidi Sattar
20. Mr. Kamrul Islam, FCA
21. Mr. Mir Dost Mohammad Khan
22. Shah Mohammed Musa
23. Mr. Jalal Firoj
24. Mr. A F Nesaruddin, FCA
25. Mr. Mohd. Mostagousul Haque
26. Mr. Mohammad Ehsan
27. Mrs. Sharmeen Murshid
28. Mr. Aflatun Haider
29. Mr. Mohammad Ameeruz Zaman
30. Mr. Rezaul Hassan
31. Syed Wahidun Nabi
32. Major Gen Imamuz Zaman
33. Mr. Michael M Nath
34. Mr. Golam F. Akhter
35. Mr. A. S. M. Shahjahan
36. Mr. Khaled Hasan
37. Mr. Kabir Ahmed, M.D.
38. Mr. A. Z. (Rony) Ahmed
39. Mr. AKM Sahabub Alam
40. Mr. M. A. Mannan
41. Mr. Mohammad Towhidul Islam
42. Major (Retd.) Khan Ferdousour Rahman
43. Mr. Abdullah Al Monzur Hussain
44. Prof. Dr. Mokbul Hussain
45. Mr. Md. Abdur Rouf
46. Mr. Mehdi Hassan
47. Ms. Shamim Ara Begum
48. Barrister Lutfun Nahar
49. Ms. Mohsina Ashraf
50. Mr. Abdullah-Al-Mahmud
51. Ms. Farzana Naz
52. AMB. Wali-ur Rahman
53. Mr. Ali Ashfaq, FCA
54. Mr. Syyed Fyyaz Husyn
55. Mr. Abdullah Rakeeb
56. Dr. Khan A. Matin
57. Ms. Mariam Jamila
58. Dr. A.S.M. Atiqur Rahman
59. Mr. Saidur Rahman
60. Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam
Register of Members' Interests
The following Members have willingly submitted their Register of Interests to TIB:
1. Mr. Ali Asgar Riffat Hyder
2. Mr. AUM Nasir Uddin
3. Mr. Abul Hasanat
4. Advocate Md. Shamsuddin
5. AMB. Wali-ur Rahman
6. Dr. Syed Zaved Md. Salehuddin
7. Mr. Md. Mazharul Islam
8. Mr. Didarul Alam Bhuiyan
9. Kazi Md. Mortuza Ali
10. Ms. Maya DRozario
11. Mr. Saidur Rahman
12. Dr. Md. Shafayet Hasan Majumder
13. Mr. Md. Jahangir Alam
14. Mr. Saiful Alam
15. Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam
Finance
* Department for International Development (DFID)
* Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA)
* Norwegian Government
* Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
* United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
* Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
TIB raises funds only from donors who share its anti-corruption values and goals. We do not accept funds that might impair the independence of TIB to pursue its goals nor do we accept any contribution that requires us do anything inconsistent with our mission, or may prevent us from pursuing activities consistent with our mission. TIB’ s audited financial reports and accounts are available for information of anyone who may be interested.
Activities
* Civic Engagement
*Research & Policy
*Outreach & Communication
Introduction
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is the accredited national chapter in Bangladesh of the Berlin-based Transparency International, a global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. TIB began its activities in 1996 with a vision of Bangladesh where government, politics, business, civil society and lives of the common citizens would be free from corruption.
Mission – Creating Anti-Corruption Demand
TIB’s mission is to catalyze and strengthen a participatory social movement to raise and strengthen voice and intensify demand for accountability through strengthening institutions, laws and practices and establishing an efficient and transparent system of governance, politics and business. TIB’s research, dissemination, campaign and advocacy initiatives are geared to policy and institutional reforms for controlling corruption, and thereby reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
Working Nationally and Locally
TIB’s activities are implemented at two levels - national and local - through processes of civic engagement, research and advocacy. At the national level its work is designed to bring the issue of corruption into sharper focus of public discourse and contribute to the strengthening the pillars of democracy and National Integrity System.
At the local level TIB has established a network of Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) all over the country. At the time of writing this network consisted of 36 committees at district and upazila levels in 6 divisions which by early 2010 is expected to increase to 45. This is a social movement driven by volunteers who challenge the notion that corruption could be a way of life. The movement features young people – mainly college and university students - who have emerged as the prime movers of the movement organised as YES – Youth Engagement and Support.
Catalyzing Change
TIB’s activities have had significant direct and indirect impacts of two main types – institutional, legal and policy reforms to promote integrity and good governance; and improvement in the content and quality of key public services at the service delivery level especially in education, health and local government.
TIB is now identified as being synonymous with tackling corruption in Bangladesh and, through its work, anti-corruption is part of the public discourse and central to the public policy agenda. TIB has catalysed or been directly involved in key institutional and policy changes, the most notable of which are: reform of the Anti-Corruption Commission; Bangladesh’s ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption; reform of the Public Service Commission; reform of the electoral rules and the Election Commission; adoption of the Right to Information Act; catalyzing specific improvements in the functioning of Chittagong Port and automation of the Chittagong Customs House; inclusion of anti-corruption education in secondary and higher secondary text books; integrity in the public procurement system; and advocacy for the National Human Rights Commission.
Engaging Citizens for Voice and Accountability
As a part of social movement TIB has created forums and mechanisms through which citizens can raise their opposition to corruption. At the local level these include various social accountability tools like Citizens Report Card (CRC), Face the Public (FtP), Open Budget, Advice and Information Desks (AI-Desks), Street Theatres and other cultural tools. Working in specific fields of delivery of public services like health, education and local government it has demonstrated that real changes are achievable in hospitals, schools and municipal services.
TIB has captured the social conscience of young people and provided them with a way of raising their voice of opposition to corruption, and engaging in volunteer work to catalyze visible and measurable results of improving transparency and accountability affecting daily lives of the citizens, especially improving access of the poor and disadvantaged to the basic public services without harassment and unauthorized payments.
