Published: 09:22 AM, 05 June 2026
TIB slams 'black money' legalisation provision
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed dismay over media reports saying that the government is considering introducing a provision in the upcoming FY2026-27 budget to legalize black money.
The anti-corruption watchdog termed the plan unconstitutional, discriminatory, and tantamount to providing legal protection to corruption under state patronage. In a statement issued Thursday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said successive governments have, since independence, retained mechanisms for legalizing undisclosed income in violation of Article 20(2) of the Constitution. "Since independence, nearly every government, through one mechanism or another, has perpetuated this provision for legalizing 'undisclosed income' in direct breach of Article 20(2) of the Constitution," he said. He said this practice assumed a new dimension during the previous authoritarian regime, when it was institutionalised in an overtly corruption-inducing manner.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said although the interim government formed following the July uprising had abolished the provision for legalising black money, the present government's attempt to reinstate it. The TIB Executive Director said the government must genuinely set the long-term welfare and aspirations of the people above the interests of opportunistic groups.
Referring to Clause 67 of the National July Charter 2025, under which BNP and all other political parties and alliances have unanimously pledged full implementation of the constitutional obligation to eliminate opportunities for individuals to enjoy unearned income, he said, "BNP has pledged in its electoral manifesto that it will 'make no compromise with corruption' including through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reformation. Yet media reports indicate that, under the influence of the housing sector lobby, the forthcoming budget is set to include a provision for legalizing black money through 'complete immunity' and entirely avoiding any inquiry by the ACC, the National Board of Revenue, or any other state authority."
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said recommendation 3 of the ACC Reform Commission report explicitly calls for the permanent abolition of the facility to legalide black money, a position to which BNP and all other political parties have equally agreed upon.
In the past repeated chances to legalise black money did not lead to a big increase in tax revenue, rather the public has been led to believe that the government is supporting, allowing, and not punishing wrongdoing and corruption, he noted.
