Focus on poverty alleviation, job creation to curb graft

Speakers at a 'National Convention' emphasised the urgent need for poverty alleviation and employment generation as the key measures to reduce corruption in the society.

They noted that unemployment and economic insecurity often push individuals towards unethical practices, making strong social and economic policies essential for combating corruption.

The National Coordination Committee for Anti-Corruption, an anti-graft platform, organised the 'National Convention' at Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium at Dhaka University on Monday, demanding a fully-independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Kayum Reza Chowdhury, a standing committee member of the organisation, presided over the programme. Sarwar Wadud Chowdhury, its general secretary and spokesperson, delivered the keynote address.

Sarwar Chowdhury proposed establishing a national consensus government to unite efforts in the fight against corruption.

Besides, freedom fighter Lt Col (Retd) Modasser Hossain Khan Bir Pratik, Dr Azizullah M Nuruzzaman, Mohammad Hanif, Sitara Rizvi, and Nurul Huda, among others, also spoke at the event.

Modasser Khan said corruption has deeply penetrated family life, society, governance, and the functioning of the state. It is steadily eroding moral values and public trust, weakening institutions, and obstructing national development.

If corruption is not addressed decisively, the nation itself risks being pushed into a state of crisis, much like a patient on life support, he warned.

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