Govt Failure to Curb Land Grabbing, Extortion Is Ominous Sign: TIB Warns
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern and anger over the attack, vandalism and looting at the RADDA MCH-FP Centre in Dhaka’s Mirpur, as well as a clash in Kishoreganj over the occupation of a water body. The anti-corruption watchdog called for exemplary accountability for those involved and urged political parties to take steps to reform their own ranks.
In a statement on Sunday (September 27), TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the alleged political patronage behind the midnight attack, vandalism and looting at the RADDA MCH-FP Centre was concerning. He said reports that the incident occurred in the presence of police were embarrassing for the government and the ruling party.
Mr. Iftekharuzzaman said the alleged attack and forcible occupation of an institution that has provided healthcare to poor and vulnerable women and children for nearly five decades was deeply troubling. Such incidents could negatively affect public trust in political parties and the government.
TIB said allegations of land grabbing, extortion and attempts to establish dominance have emerged against a section of BNP activists since August 2024. According to TIB, disputes and clashes among party activists have also occurred over control and extortion involving bus terminals, footpaths, markets, water bodies, sand quarries, cable and internet businesses, and other sectors.
TIB cited the clash between two local BNP factions in Kishoreganj over control of a water body and the vandalism of a content creator’s office as examples. However, it stressed that each allegation should be independently investigated to identify those actually responsible. If allegations of land grabbing and extortion are made against political activists, TIB said, legal action must be taken alongside party disciplinary measures. Otherwise, it warned, a culture of arbitrariness, irregularities and impunity could return. It called for proper investigations and exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
