The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) chief has slammed Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) describing its policies as ‘biased’.
Chairman Iqbal Mahmood made the remarks on Tuesday (Mar 5) during a meeting with Geneva-based policy and strategy specialist Matthias Bos.
“TIB does have a positive image but there are criticisms as well,” Mahmud said when Bos asked about people’s evaluation of TIB.
According to Mahmood, though the organisation is vocal about the shortcomings and flaws of the government and its institutions, that can’t be its only job.
“An organisation of this nature shouldn’t only identify flaws but recommend ways to overcome them.”
He said that TIB should be transparent about its budgets and expenses. “They should publish records of their expenses, plans and audits not only in their website but also in the media.”
On ACC-TIB relations, he said “ACC shares both official and unofficial relationship with TIB.”
He added that the two organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding to fight corruption.
“ACC has always been welcoming about criticism from TIB. However, for them to criticise ACC or any organisation for that matter, they need to understand the country’s current condition and culture,” he said.
He said that the organisation should be able to laud any good initiatives on the government’s or any political party’s part.
Responding to queries about TIB’s research, the ACC chief said, “Their methodology must be transparent. They often use secondary data or collect it through focus groups.”
He said that TIB should use primary data in order to reduce the margin of error in their research and make their reports more believable.
“TIB should have a specific work zone.” he said and added that the organisation making a comment on every issue will have a negative impact on their image and that they should have a specific purpose.