The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said that political commitments are necessary to curb corruption in all sectors, but every now and then it fails and creates other political scams such as that of the Regent Hospital, which is just “a tip of the iceberg.”
“This is a blatant example of deep-seated corruption through the abuse of direct and indirect political linkage in the health sector. The fact that such instances are being exposed one after another is shocking to many, but not surprising at all,” TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman told Dhaka Tribune, regarding the Regent Hospital irregularities.
“However, as grotesque as it may be, this is just a tip of the iceberg, and an example of the widely suspected institutionalization of syndicated corruption in the public sector with the collusion, participation, promotion, and protection of a section of the politically and governmentally high and mighty,” he said.
He further said that the obvious solution is to bring the perpetrators to accountability, not only those directly involved and apprehended, but also their colluders, protectors, and promoters – the proverbial godfathers.
“That’s the hard part, and I suspect it to be beyond a perceived line that the institutions like ACC or law enforcement agencies can cross, even though legally mandated,” he said.
The TIB executive director pointed out that only a specially targeted green signal from the highest political and government level for genuine action without fear or favour irrespective of the status or identity of the individuals can make a difference.
“Failing this, some petty fries will probably be symbolically troubled while another similar story will soon suppress the main issue as usual and the already well-established culture of impunity of the big fish will continue to flourish,” Iftekharuzzaman added.