Identify, punish influential conspirators behind Covid-19 test scams: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described the discovery of Regent and JKG's scams over Covid-19 treatment and testing as "a very small example" of unbridled corruption in the health sector.

Therefore, the corruption watchdog has said there will be no solution to the main problem if the authorities are complacent about the arrests and the subsequent legal action against visible culprits of the two incidents.

In a press release on Wednesday, the TIB called for identifying the influential and powerful people involved in such heinous corruption through an acceptable investigation, and ensuring exemplary and severe punishment to them.

Terming the arrests of the main culprits of the Regent and JKG as the first step in the investigation of these corruptions, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, "Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, one after another allegations of corruption, fraud, deception and plundering have surfaced in the health sector."

"In only two of these cases, the direct kingpins have been arrested and that is being touted as a great achievement against corruption. We certainly welcome the ongoing legal proceedings against these defendants. But right now, I cannot accept it as a huge success," he added.

The TIB executive director said in the process in which the two institutions in question have had the opportunity to commit this fraud, the collusion of political and administrative powers can be said with almost certainty.

The government should take the responsibility for this arbitrary corruption in the health sector and TIB thinks there is no chance to give concessions to anyone.