Irregularities found in flood relief distribution: TIB
TIB said the amount of relief distributed during the flood this year was also much lower than required
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said it has found several irregularities in flood relief distribution this year.
The list of people eligible for relief was prepared under political consideration, and money used for ministers' visits to different flood-affected areas came from the government relief fund, TIB said.
TIB unveiled the research findings titled 'Transparency in preparation for floods and good professional conduct during relief distribution -2019' at a press conference at its headquarters in the capital's Midas Centre today.
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TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said there were numerous instances of irregularities and corruption in relief distribution during the floods in 2019.
"There were limitations in providing the necessary services including medical treatment, drinking water, sanitation, protection to women and children and especially disabled people in flood shelters and in flood-affected places," he said.
The flood victims could not get the expected amount of aid because of a lack of manpower, an inadequate budget, and improper planning, Iftekharuzzaman said.
Even though the government has launched some positive initiatives for tackling floods, there was a lack of preparation in doing so. The authorities failed to take the necessary steps to provide safety and security at the union level, according to the research findings.
TIB said the amount of relief distributed during the flood this year was also much lower than required, and added that public representatives did not play a proper role in combating the flood crisis.
TIB further said there was no time-befitting plan to address the floods.
According to the findings, TIB found a lack of transparency and accountability because the relief list was made without a field visit.
It also made 18 recommendations to counteract the problems found in the survey.
The research was carried out in 683 thanas in 20 unions of 10 upazilas of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura and Sylhet from July 31 to August 7.
Professor Dr Sumaiya Khair, adviser of executive management of TIB, SM Jewel, senior programme manager (research and policy), among others, were present at the press conference.
