Published: 23 December 2024
In a nationwide effort to strengthen the fight against corruption at the grassroots level, Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) across Bangladesh have orchestrated a series of powerful Learning and Experience Sharing Meetings. These gatherings, spanning from November to December 2024, brought together diverse groups including CCC members, Youth Engagement and Support (YES) participants, and Active Citizen Groups (ACG) in twelve key locations.
The movement began in Mymensingh on November 14, where CCC President Sharifuzzaman Parag led discussions on strengthening anti-corruption initiatives. The momentum quickly spread to Natore, where on November 18, over 125 participants, including students, teachers, and journalists, took a formal oath against corruption. They specifically addressed challenges in education and healthcare sectors, including student attendance issues and inadequate medical supplies at Union Health Centers.
The wave of activism continued in Rajshahi on November 22, where Professor Dr. Siddharth Shankar Talukder presided over a gathering of approximately 100 members. The movement gained further traction in Madaripur, where more than 140 participants gathered on December 11 under the leadership of CCC President Khan Md. Shahid.
In the coastal region, Patiya's meeting, chaired by Advocate Kobi Shekhar Nath, brought a fresh perspective to the anti-corruption dialogue, while Barishal's gathering under Professor Gazi Jahid Hossain emphasized collaborative action. Savar's meeting, led by Professor Dipak Kumar Roy, saw Freedom Fighter Eng. Md Abdul Khalek conducting an inspiring oath-taking session.
The northern districts showed equally strong participation. In Lalmonirhat, Captain (Retd) Azizul Haque Bir Pratik led a significant gathering at the Zilla Parishad Auditorium. Kishoreganj's meeting, presided over by M. M. Juwel, tackled specific challenges including broker presence in government offices and the need for improved teaching environments in schools.
Kurigram's gathering of 120 members, led by CCC President Ahsan Habib Nilu, demonstrated the growing strength of the movement, while Chapainawabganj's meeting under Ms. Selina Begum's leadership brought together 111 participants focused on improving government service delivery.
The series concluded in Gazipur, where Professor Fatema Zohra presided over a meeting that emphasized citizen participation in institutional decision-making processes. Throughout these gatherings, TIB's Coordinator of Civic Engagement, Md. Atikur Rahman, provided consistent guidance and support.
These meetings collectively highlighted a growing grassroots movement focused on improving local governance, enhancing public services, and fostering transparency. The participants across all locations demonstrated a united commitment to combat corruption through social activism and community engagement, marking a significant step forward in Bangladesh's fight against corruption at the local level.
The success of these gatherings suggests a promising future for anti-corruption efforts in Bangladesh, with local communities taking ownership of the movement and working collaboratively towards positive change. The integration of youth through YES programs and community involvement through ACGs indicates a sustainable, multi-generational approach to fighting corruption at its roots.