Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has stated that the failure to control land grabbing and extortion is an ominous sign for the ruling party. The organization has simultaneously called for ensuring exemplary accountability for those involved in such activities and for conducting a nationwide party-wide self-purification drive.
In a statement on Sunday (September 27), TIB expressed deep concern and anger over the looting, vandalism, and illegal occupation of the Radda MCH-FP health center, clashes between two local BNP factions over the occupation of a waterbody in Kishoreganj, and the attack and vandalism at a content creator’s office.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of TIB, stated that the incidents of looting, vandalism, and illegal occupation at Radda MCH are an embarrassing example for the government and the ruling party. He questioned what kind of precedent the ruling party is setting by destroying a charitable institution that has long provided healthcare services to poor mothers and children, in front of hundreds of people, with police present, and under the patronage of a Member of Parliament from a reserved seat.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman mentioned that since August 2024, allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and dominance have been rising nationwide against a section of BNP activists. He noted that such allegations are being found in various sectors, including bus terminals, footpaths, markets, water bodies (jalmahals), sand quarries (balumahals), haat-bazaars (local markets), cable and internet connections, and waste collection businesses.
He further commented that the unhealthy competition and internal sabotage among party activists, centered around these activities, are often turning violent. As a result, land grabbing and extortion are gaining further normalcy, which TIB’s Executive Director described as an ominous sign for the government.
He also cited the clashes between two factions over the occupation of a waterbody in Kishoreganj and the vandalism of a content creator’s studio as a continuation of the events occurring since August 2024. In his view, these incidents are overshadowing various good initiatives and goodwill of the government, sending a negative message to the public.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that if the ruling party respects its anti-corruption electoral pledges, it must take effective self-purification measures immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing the opportunity to control land grabbing and extortion in the future.
In the statement, TIB further claimed that although organizational measures, including expulsion, are sometimes taken against the misdeeds of party activists, law enforcement agencies are often unable to take effective action due to the direct or indirect involvement of the ruling party with those engaged in abuse of power. The organization commented that this creates a risk of re-establishing a culture of arbitrariness, corruption, irregularity, and impunity.
TIB demanded a proper investigation into each incident and the exemplary punishment of those involved.