Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly condemned the decision to continue the provision for whitening black money in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.

Criticising this move, the Berlin-based anti-graft watchdog on Monday stated that the interim government reflects a stance completely contrary to the objectives of state reform, particularly the core purpose of the Anti-Corruption Commission reform.

TIB termed the decision unethical, discriminatory, and in violation of the Constitution.

 “Whatever way it may be interpreted, to undermine the core mandate of state reform in general and anti-corruption in particular, this shows how interim government has surrendered to the real estate lobby power to facilitate corruption. Irrespective of payable rate, this clearly violates article 20(2) of the constitution under which state specifically commits to prevent possession of unearned income,” says TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

TIB Executive Director further stated the government is incentivizing citizens to accumulate illegal and undisclosed wealth throughout the year with the assurance that such black money will be legitimized at year-end.

“We strongly demand the permanent cancellation of this corruption-promoting opportunity to whiten black money, starting with its removal from the revised budget. We also urge the government to investigate the sources of black money, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure equity and justice in the tax system,” he said.

TIB firmly believes that if the government genuinely wants to claim a firm and effective stance against corruption, it must permanently shut down all avenues for legalizing black money.

“Otherwise, anti-corruption activities and policy initiatives will be perceived by the people as mere eyewash, which will further deepen the culture of normalizing corruption and reduce the promise of establishing good governance to mere posturing,” he said.

The interim government was expected to provide an update in the budget on the progress made in recovering the vast amount of money laundered from the country.