Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) condemned the death of a seriously injured school student in an ambulance for treatment after a river ferry was put on hold from transporting vehicles for about three hours due to a government official’s "VIP facility."
The anti-corruption watchdog also demanded a fair amount of compensation to the victim’s family and accountability of those responsible for the incident.
In addition, the TIB urged the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of Public Administration to articulate and set out a detail framework of governance limiting special privileges for VIP facilities to curb irregularities.
In a statement on Monday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "It was the responsibility of the state to ensure priority services in the event of an emergency treatment.
He said it is in no way expected that Titas had to depart prematurely due to the misuse of power in the name of VIP facility.
TIB extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Titas Ghosh, and demand immediate compensation for his family.
At the same time, TIB chief urges the government to ensure that all forms of harassment and insecurity of the people will have to be stopped in the name of VIP entitlements through a government order to prevent widespread abuse of public resources.
VIP mentality that has become part of the Bangladesh's ruling elite cannot be practiced in any democratic country, given the undeserved benefit of VIPs. He demanded immediate intervention of the government authorities to solve the problem.
Referring to the responsible government officials, who are committed to serve the people, abuse of their power and negligence has led to this tragic incident, Zaman said.
He said the 'VIP' protocol for the senior bureaucrats should be re-arranged.
Dr. Zaman said: "For the government, such incidents are unexpected and embarrassing. We hope that the government will inform the public of this tragedy by bringing everyone under accountability and taking necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. ”
Critically injured Titas Ghosh, who was a student of Class-VI, died at an ambulance on the ferry which was reportedly delayed by three hours at the Kathalbari Ferry Terminal in Madaripur on Thursday night.
