Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus referred to corruption as Bangladesh's biggest problem, saying that the world has recognized the nation's lack of honesty, which not only brings national disgrace but also harms international trade.
"Just like the people of the country, the international community wants us to be free from corruption because they want to expand trade with us. Without eradicating corruption, business and trade will not progress. There is no future for Bangladesh without being free from corruption," he said.
The chief adviser made these remarks on Tuesday evening during a speech to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Dr Yunus added that the interim government is prioritizing making all activities corruption-free, saying: "While trying to keep the current government term free from corruption, we are also committed to ensuring that citizens remain free from corruption fostered by government patronage in the future."
Emphasizing e-filing and online services to prevent corruption and harassment, he said: "We are determined to save citizens from facing financial transactions and hassles."
The chief adviser mentioned that over 6,000 cases have been recommended for withdrawal nationwide, saying: "During the previous government, false cases were used as a weapon to suppress dissent. After a thorough examination at various levels, we have initiated the withdrawal of these harassment-based cases."
"So far, 6,295 cases of politically motivated harassment filed during the previous fascist government's tenure have been recommended for withdrawal. All other harassment cases are gradually being withdrawn."
He added: "We have already abolished the police verification requirement for obtaining a passport. As a result, citizens are now receiving passport services more easily than before. After removing the requirement for a police report, 70,000 new passports, which had been stuck due to waiting for police reports for a long time, have been delivered to applicants promptly."
