TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL BANGLADESH Annual Report 2006

www.ti-bangladesh.org

MAKING WAVES: National Integrity Programme Phase-II

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

Transparency International Bangladesh

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL BANGLADESH

Annual Report 2006

CONTENTS

I. Introduction: ...... 3 TIB & Making Waves Project

II. Executive Summary … … 5

III. Progress & Achievements ...... 6

IV. Institutional Strengthening ...... 12

V. Challenges ...... 14

VI. Conclusions ...... 15

Map of Bangladesh showing the CCC areas

Financial Statement (separate file)

2 INTRODUCTION: TIB & MAKING WAVES PROJECT

1. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is an independent, non-government, non- partisan and non-profit organization with a vision of Bangladesh where government, politics, business, civil society and the daily lives of the people shall be free from corruption.

2. In the context of the international movement against corruption, TIB is the accredited national chapter in Bangladesh of the Berlin-based Transparency International (TI). Accordingly, TIB partners and cooperates with TI and its chapters worldwide.

3. TIB is committed to values of democracy, justice, rule of law, transparency, accountability, integrity and impartiality.

4. TIB’s mission is to catalyze and strengthen a participatory social movement to promote and develop institutions, laws and practices for combating corruption in Bangladesh and establishing an efficient and transparent system of governance, politics and business.

5. TIB began its activities as a Trust in 1996, and has since devoted itself to the task of mobilizing a social movement to curb corruption and to promote good governance in the public, private and non-governmental sectors through greater accountability, transparency and citizen’s participation. The main objective of TIB is to catalyze a conducive environment for reduction of poverty and promotion of justice and human security.

6. This report is intended to present to the readers highlights of TIB’s work during January- December 2006.

TIB - A Social Movement against Corruption: The Context

7. Corruption is a key national challenge for Bangladesh. Corruption implies abuse of entrusted power for private benefits. There is a close relationship between power and corruption, though not everyone in positions of power is involved in corruption. However, those who engage themselves in corruption, abuse their power – political, economic or social, within or outside Government – for personal gain. Corruption is also a behaviour or act that breaks away or contradicts from ethical and moral standard, laws and civic virtues. Corruption involves giving and seeking of favours, buying political influence, taking kickbacks, and bribes. Corruption may also include any or a combination of such acts as embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, negligence of duty, misuse of public or institutional fund and extortion.

3 8. Corruption is a menace that breeds and increases all forms of injustice – it accentuates poverty, prevents development, and undermines democracy and governance. It prevents rule of law, distorts market and stifles economic growth. Corruption creates and perpetuates social and economic deprivation and inequality. Corruption leads to violation of basic constitutional and human rights. It breeds crimes, social frustration and discontent. Corruption undermines the processes and structures that could be conducive to poverty reduction and promotion of human security.

9. Corruption is nothing new, nor it is peculiar to any particular context. It takes place in greater or lesser degree in all countries of the world, irrespective of political and economic system, big or small, developed or developing. However, in a developing country like Bangladesh its impacts are most unbearable. Corruption has become an issue of public interest in Bangladesh not merely because of the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International which has for the fourth successive year ranked Bangladesh at the bottom of the list, but more importantly because of the way corruption affects the lives of the common people.

10. Irrespective of whether Bangladesh ranks at the bottom or higher in international comparison, there is a widespread public concern in the country about a pervasive presence of corruption. All the major political parties recognize corruption as a key national issue and almost invariably identify fighting corruption as a top electoral commitment.

11. Corruption must be fought comprehensively and strategically. Since the public sector is at the core of corruption and since corruption in the public sector is most unjustifiable and unbearable, it is incumbent upon the Government to lead the process. However, the people at large who are the ultimate source of power, have also a vital role to play at both national and local levels to combat the menace by exerting pressure and demanding change. 12. It is in this context that TIB sees itself as a catalyst and a social movement against corruption – for a comprehensive drive to promote effective citizens awareness and participation as well as collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders, including the Government. The main task is to contribute to the creation of an environment in which corruption will be hated and rejected by everyone and the anti-corruption movement will gain stronger grounds at all levels of the state and society. 13. TIB’s struggle is against corruption and its power base, not against the Government as such or any of its institutions or departments. As a matter of fact, as long as Government is also committed to eliminate corruption, TIB’s role is to strengthen the hands of the Government.

4 Making Waves 14. As a social movement against corruption TIB, is currently implementing the Making Waves project focusing on five main inter-related streams of nationwide activities. Commencing in January 2003 as the second phase of TIB’s National Integrity Programme, the main objective of the project is to contribute to the creation of a conducive environment in which participation in anti-corruption activities is substantially widened and strengthened. It is also aimed at expanding and sustaining the demand for accountability, transparency and efficient governance with particular relevance to the functioning of public and private bodies at all levels. The ultimate objective of the project is to catalyze conditions in which would strengthen the possibility of poverty reduction and enhancement of human security. The five streams of Making Waves activities are to: q Expand TIB’s network of community watchdog bodies - Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) to increase awareness of people at the grass-roots levels and strengthen their participation in demanding quality service delivery by public, private and non-government sectors; q Strengthen the Advice and Information Centres (AICs) to support the CCCs and their constituencies with information, advice, training and other means of developing the capacity to prevent being victims of corruption at the local levels; q Establish a solid research programme including surveys, report cards and diagnostic studies, to probe into the nature, causes and consequences of corruption and disseminate the same with policy recommendations; q Undertake programmes of campaign and advocacy at both national and CCC levels for policy reform and institutional change; and q Develop and strengthen the capacity of TIB as the pivotal organization for steering the movement to combat corruption in Bangladesh and act proactively towards creation of an enabling environment.

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

15. This report highlights the main activities and progress achieved by TIB during the period January-December 2006 – the fourth year of the Making Waves project, second phase of the National Integrity Programme (NIP-II).

16. The key objective of the Making Waves project is to create demand for reduction of corruption and enhancement of accountability, transparency and efficient functioning of public and private bodies which could lead to a conducive environment for reduction of poverty in Bangladesh. The reporting period witnessed continued progress in implementing the planned activities including further strengthening of TIB’s institutional capacity.

17. In many ways the year 2006 may be considered to have witnessed better success than ever achieved by TIB towards achieving its core objective of creating and strengthening a social movement against corruption in Bangladesh. The external evaluators who conducted this year’s Output to Purpose Review (OPR) have given the Making Waves project the highest possible score for any project in DFID’s history, and expressed the confidence that the project outputs will be fully realized. As OPR report mentioned it was a year of amazing transformation.

III. PROGRESS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) 18. Six new CCCs were formed at the beginning of the year, taking the total to 36, all of which have become fully operational by the end of December. The new CCCs are Savar, Munshiganj, Gazipur, Madariur, Faridpur and Rajbari. At the same time Advice and Information Desks (AIDs) have been set up in each of them. Planned activities at CCC level were held as scheduled. These included issue-based CCC-level seminars, sharing meetings with professional groups, workshops on anti-corruption issues with the participation of the cross-section of local citizens, monthly meetings of CCCs and volunteer groups and including theatre groups. Other innovative activities included activating School Management Committees, Mothers’ Gatherings and Face the Public.

Advice and Information Desks 19. The Advice and Information Desks (AI-Desks), the devolved version of Advice and Information Centers – have been set up in all 36 CCCs. The AI-Desks have been serving as the sources of information and guidance to local people about their rights, entitlements and duties with particular reference to public service delivery institutions so that they are empowered to be able to avoid falling victims of corruption. The AI-Desks are being managed by the CCC members with the help of volunteers and technical support of the TIB staff. AI-Desks have been successful in bringing about specific visible changes in selected areas of service delivery. Review and update of the existing fact sheets have been completed as planned. Dissemination of the above has commenced. Posters and leaflets have been distributed in CCC areas for informing the people of about the availability of the service.

20. The Satellite AI-Desk has been an innovation that has evolved in response to the need to disseminate information to those who are not in a position to come to CCC office, especially poor, illiterate and marginalized people. Introduced by the Rangpur CCC, the Sattellite AI-Desk model is being replicated in other areas. Acknowledging the importance and potential of the AI-Desks, a

6 Core Team has been formed consisting of relevant staff from all divisions which is now responsible for coordination of implementation as well as newer innovations.

Demanding Right to Information Law 21. For the first time in Bangladesh TIB observed the International Right to Know Day on September 28, in nearly every CCC area. The objective was to create awareness at local level about people’s right to information which is the key to fighting corruption. These local level events were observed with great enthusiasm. In most places people from all walks of life showed tremendous interest in carrying forward the demand for the Right to Information Law. The programme was observed in partnership with Manusher Jonno Foundation, which TIB is keen to carry further.

Report Cards 22. 23 reports on Report Card surveys were released locally in the CCC level. Work on other report card surveys in both old and new CCC areas have been progressing fast. Nearly 50 reports on report card surveys were ready for release in November-December 2006, which had to be postponed like many other activities due to political disturbances. Release of these is now being scheduled in the first quarter of 2007, followed by that of about the same number in the remainder of the year.

Coordination, Peer Learning & Training of CCC Members 23. Special efforts have been made in response to the felt need and growing demand for closer coordination of inter-CCC activities, peer learning and training for capacity building of CCC members. For the first time half-yearly review coordination meeting of CCC Convenors was held in July 2006 in Dhaka. In addition several cluster meetings were held in various regions throughout the year creating the scope mutual learning and sharing on strengths and weaknesses, good practices, risk-management, etc. Unfortunately, the Annual CCC and Volunteers Conventions had to be postponed twice because of political reasons. At the time of writing this report it was expected to be held in February.

Research Reports 24. TIB’s research programme with special emphasis on NIS monitoring and diagnostic studies on key institutions of NIS and those of public interest continued. The Parliament watch Report 2005 was released in July 2006. One of the recommendations of the report – positive incentives for MPs attending the session regularly – was implemented by the Speaker.

25. The Corruption Database 2005 was released in July 2006. This report drew sharp reaction of the Government, particularly the two ministries that were ranked by the report to have the highest incidence of corruption. They used the media and even the Parliament to intimidate TIB.

7 TIB was successful in managing the situation in its favour. This was yet another example of risks involved in TIB’s work on the one hand, and recognition of the need for continued work on the other. The fact that the outgoing Prime Minister subsequently quoted the same report as justifying the “progress” made by her administration in fighting corruption – wrongly though - underlines that TIB’s reports continue to be the benchmark against which politicians feel obliged to defend their record

26. Earlier, the diagnostic study on land-port Benapole and Teknaf was released in April 2006, which led to wide media interest and coverage as well as multi-stakeholder response. In the process leading to the release of the report the users of the port were involved which helped build up of relation with them.

27. Three more Diagnostic Studies on the Election Commission, Dhaka Passport Delivery Service and Irregularities and Corruption in Dhaka Medical College Hospital were released in October 2006. These reports were released in the form of roundtable discussion with the participation of various stakeholders – a departure from the practice of release of reports through press conference. This has opened up opportunities for partnerships with some of them for follow- up.

28. The following Diagnostic Studies are in various stages near completion, all expected to be released within the middle of 2007: Tracking the Election Process, Bangladesh Public Service Commission, Bangladesh Biman, Transparency and Accountability of MPs, Corruption in the Forestry sector, Ombudsman, Dhaka City Corporation, Zia International Airport, Dhaka City Traffic Management System, NBR, Access to Justice (Court Watch), Secondary Analysis of Household Survey Data, Mongla port, Banking Sector.

29. The Election Process Tracking study and a Consolidated report on the Parliament Watch series are scheduled to be released within mid-January subject to favourable political condition.

30. A research paper on “The Anti-Corruption Commission: How Can it be Made Effective?” was presented at the Roundtable Discussion organized in collaboration with the “Reporters Against Corruption” on 17 September 2006. It was widely attended and participated by a cross- section of stakeholders and experts including one of the Commissioners. 31. As part of observance of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, a seminar was organized on “Corruption and Parliamentary Oversight: Primacy of the Political Will”, on December 9, 2006. It was attended by a number of representatives of all the major political parties including members and/or Chairpersons of Standing Committees. Once again, the event drew tremendous media interest.

8 32. At least 18 more diagnostic studies are in progress, expected to be released by mid 2008.

Partnerships & Communication 33. TIB intensified its efforts to build partnerships in its work, which has been of the key concerns and objectives. Success was achieved in forging issue-based partnerships with the Citigroup for Youth Engagement, Manusher Jonno Foundation for campaign on Right to Information Law, and Reporters against Corruption (RAC) for making Anti Corruption Commission effective. For the first time TIB events were covered by the State-owned Television channel BTV, no mean an achievement in a context where TIB’s entry into BTV used to be prohibitive.

34. Other communication activities included Peoples’ Theatre Groups and folk media based cultural groups like Gambhira and Baul. The number of theatre groups has now reached 17 against the original target of 12. Responding to the requests from CCCs it has also been decided that theatre groups will be formed in all the remaining CCCs by the middle of 2007. In view of the felt need as a result of expansion of theatre groups and activities a policy guideline for theatre has been prepared. The Youth Engagement and support (YES) programme has also been progressing as planned, with orientation programmess held in 17 CCC areas. Process has started, for the first time, to develop a database of the TIB Volunteers.

35. Quarterly ‘Members Day’ was regularly organized, with a view to facilitating closer involvement of members in planning and implementation of various TIB activities. Unfortunately, however the Annual Meeting of Members 2006 had to be postponed 3 times in succession because of political instability.

36. TIB’s Anti-corruption communication through TV spots was further intensified throughout the year. Monthly Phone-in programs were aired on a private TV channel on various topical themes, most often coinciding with subjects of released research reports or organized events.

37. Peoples’ Theatre Groups and folk media based cultural groups like Gambhira and Baul have been performing their shows regularly. The Youth Engagement and support (YES) programme has been launched dovetailing all activities so far undertaken addressed to the young generation including the volunteer groups, theatre and cultural groups attached to the CCCs, participants of debates, essays, cartoon competitions, and cultural events. Process has started, for the first time, to develop a database of the YES participants.

38. TIB Newsletter both English and Bengali versions were duly published. E-bulletins were updated. The redesigned TIB website has been launched. Communications materials e.g.,

9 brochures, stickers and leaflets have been regularly produced and distributed. Special sticker has been produced and distributed to sensitize the school children and youth.

Linking National Policy Advocacy with Local Concerns 39. A new initiative has been taken for linking concerns, ideas and suggestions from local level (CCC) with national level policy advocacy on such important issues as effective parliament and access to information, the latter with special emphasis on more effective use of AI-Desks, and its satellite version. An Operational Guideline on AI-Desks and Satellite AI-Desks has been developed. As earlier mentioned, the AI-Desk has now received much higher importance with a Core Team formed for effective use of AI-Desk with representatives from all concerned divisions.

Series of Programmes marking the IACD 2006 40. TIB observed this year the 3rd International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) by implementing a series of activities in Dhaka, all CCC areas and a number of other areas with great enthusiasm with particular emphasis on participation of the young generation who raised voice against corruption and undertook many innovative programmes. They also vowed to follow-up with further proactive and result-oriented activities. Events were marked by intensification of demand for accession of Bangladesh to the UN Convention against Corruption. In view of the forthcoming national elections, the other special thematic highlight was TIB’s demand for effective oversight role of the Parliamentary Committees in ensuring accountability of the Government.

41. This year’s observance of the IACD was designed and implemented mostly by the young generation including TIB Volunteers, cultural activists, and other support groups with the slogan “Durjoy Tarunyo Durnity Rukhbeyi” (The invincible youth shall definitely prevent corruption). Volunteers all across the country organised various programs such as rallies, cultural events, essay, debate and painting competitions, human chain, poster and sticker campaigns, street theatre shows, publication of brochures and leaflets etc. Among many remarkable events was a cross- country bi-cycle rally by volunteers from south-western district of Faridpur. The rally started in Faridpur and ended in the capital Dhaka in nearly 9 hours. Along with encouraging youth participation, TIB and 36 Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) all around Bangladesh organized various programs both at national and local levels. Activities included the following:

42. Anti-Corruption Debate - Parliamentary Style: For the first time a Parliamentary Style Debate Competition was arranged where students from colleges and universities from across the country took part. This event was held between 29-30 November in partnership with the debating societies of Dhaka University, Rokeya Hall, East-West University and North-South University. Two leading national newspapers – The Daily Star and Prothom Alo and a private TV channel, “Bangla Vision” joined as media partners. A special TV program was also aired on this competition. During the competition the participating students debated on issues like role of

10 parliamentarians in fighting corruption, parliamentary code of conduct, and the debaters perception and expectation of an ideal Member of Parliament.

43. Cartoon & Essay Competition & Cartoon Exhibition: The first ever cartoon competition of this type had been a great success with 313 entries in two categories. An exhibition of selected cartoons was also held at a popular gallery in Dhaka during 7-10 December. The exhibition received huge media coverage. Besides, like previous years, an Essay Competition in the national level was also arranged.

44. Anti-Corruption Cartoon Album: Work on publication of the first ever anti-corruption cartoon album is nearing completion. The volume will include work of leading cartoonists of the country as well as the cartoons that received awards in the Competition mentioned above.

45. National Seminar in Dhaka: A seminar on Corruption and Parliamentary Oversight: Primacy of the Political Will was held on 9 December in Dhaka. Presented by the Executive Director, the paper argued that the performance of the Parliamentary Committees in terms of their constitutionally assigned oversight function was far from the expectation level. The seminar was told that very few of the Committees attached due priority to addressing corruption, while recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committees on various ministries were hardly implemented. The main reason for the failure is the absence of political commitment to make the Committees effective. A number of recommendations were put forward to make the Committees effective so that Parliament is successful in reducing corruption and ensuring accountability of the Government. Law-makers from major political parties attended.

46. New TV Messages: On the eve of the IACD, TIB reinforced its electronic media communication campaign with a new TV spot highlighting the failure of the Parliamentary Committees in playing their due role in ensuring accountability of the Government. It calls upon the would-be MPs of the next Parliament to be aware of the public demand for effective Parliament and Parliamentary Committees. Another new spot calls for action by all from respective positions to contribute to transparency in the election process.

47. Programs outside Dhaka: 36 Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) organized programs in their respective areas all over the country. These programs included signature campaigns with a call for the government to sign the UN Convention Against corruption, seminars, rallies, cultural programs, essay, debate and cartoon competitions, poster and sticker campaigns etc. In all CCC areas people from all walks of the society took part with great enthusiasm and expectation. In a number of areas where CCCs have not been set up, alliances were formed this year with some socio-cultural groups to observe the Day.

11 48. Campaign for acceding to the UNCAC: An important common feature of activities in the CCC level was a signature campaign to reinforce TIB demand upon the Government to accede to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). In addition TIB Executive Director took part in a TV Talk Show in Channel I in which he put forward TIB’s arguments in favour of Bangladesh’s accession to the Convention. On 10 December in a seminar organized in the Bangladesh Public Affairs Training Complex, in which TIB Chairman and Executive Director took part, the Advisor to the Caretaker Government who was the Chief Guest declared that the Government would take all measures to expedite the accession process. Taking this as a significant development TIB is going to further intensify the demand for translating the commitment into reality without any further delay.

49. Anti-Corruption Youth Concert: Finally, the high point of this year’s IACD observance by TI-Bangladesh was the first ever anti-corruption youth concert on 29 December 2006 in Dhaka. The event was earlier scheduled on 9 December, but had to be postponed for political uncertainty. Most of the leading artists and musical groups of the country performed in the 8 and a half hours non-stop open-air concert (14:00-22:30 hours), participated at the ground by nearly 30,000 youngsters. The live on-line transmission was featured by more than 7,500 on-line viewers sending impromptu feedbacks - the highest record for any such transmission yet in Bangladesh. It was telecast live and/or covered as main news item by most channels. Print media covered it extensively. TIB Chairman, Treasurer, Trustees Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed and Advocate Sultana Kamal, Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, and the Nobel Prize Winner Prof Muhammad Yunus spoke to the young audience. Prof Yunus told them that corruption was a huge giant - the biggest impediment to Bangladesh's development. He stressed the importance of collective social movement against the menace with active involvement of the youth. The programme ended enthusiastically with an anti-corruption oath taken by the young participants. The English version of the oath was:

"The greatest achievement of the Bengali nation is our independence; Our commitment to the immortal heroes of our struggle for national independence and democracy - We shall protect our independence and sovereignty at any cost; Our commitment today: we shall resist corruption at every stage of our lives individually and collectively; In solidarity with the social movement against corruption, we know that we never gave in to evil forces; We promise today - we shall not give in to the evil force of corruption. My confident pronouncement to my youth - The Invincible Youth shall surely resist Corruption".

12 IV. INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING

50. TIB’s institutional capacity has grown substantially during the year. Staff strength has crossed 190. Two new members have been elected to the Board of Trustees. An Advisory Committee to the Board has been formed which includes representatives of the CCCs and TIB membership body.

51. The new HR manual and Operations manual have been developed through a participatory process engaging the staff at all levels assisted by professional support of consultants. Following several revisions the Board of Trustees has approved those two manuals at a special meeting held on 30th September 2006, subject to scrutiny of some specific provisions therein.

52. A Partnership Policy has been developed and adopted by the Board. The policy delineates a broad set of terms and conditions under which TIB can partner with other organizations/initiatives for promoting shared interests.

53. A detailed Gender Strategy has been developed with an action plan which mainstreams gender concerns in various aspects of management and programming. The strategy has strong support from management and staff.

54. Special attention was given to capacity building of the staff at various levels. Training Needs Assessment (TNA) of all TIB staff and CCC members using multiple methods like Group discussion, workshop, self assessment, supervisors assessment has been completed. On that basis the following trainings have already been imparted to the respective staff during the year. ▪ Training on Database Management and Analysis with focus on Microsoft Access and SPSS ▪ Workshop on Report Card Methodology ▪ Training on VAT and Tax ▪ Training of Trainers (ToT) on Improving Training Quality and Facilitation Skill ▪ Training on Advice and Information Desk (AID) ▪ Conflict Management and Staff Counseling ▪ Cisco Certified Network Associate ▪ Office Administration & Management ▪ Participatory Monitoring & Evaluation ▪ Reporting, documentation and press release writing ▪ Reporting, documentation and press release writing ▪ Vehicle Management, Inventory & Procurement ▪ Income Tax and VAT ▪ Communication and facilitation skills ▪ Strengthening Accounting System ▪ Basic Writing Skill ▪ Training on First Aid ▪ Measuring Corruption

55. The following workshops/conventions were also organized or participated: ▪ South Asia Regional Resource Mobilization Orientation for the members of 6 newly formed CCCs ▪ Training/workshop on AID/fact sheet preparation for TIB Volunteers. ▪ Orientation on YES for the TIB Volunteers ▪ Workshop on Report Card Survey for CCC Members and field based TIB staff ▪ Training on Report Card Survey for Field Assistant and Field Supervisor ▪ Orientation for the members of 6 newly formed CCC ▪ Theatre Workshops for newly formed groups and Refreshers for the old groups ▪ Staff Convention 2006.

56. Separate cross-cutting Programme Support Units - Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource, Training and Gender – have been established, and have become fully operational directly reporting to the Executive Director.

57. An Impact analysis of TIB’s communications programmes was undertaken by independent consultant on the basis of which a draft Communications policy has been developed. This is going to form the basis of a comprehensive Communication Strategy to be developed with technical assistance separately funded by DFID.

58. TIB has for the first time successfully partnered with a private corporate house – the Citigroup – for implementing a programme for sensitizing the youth. It has also partnered with the MJ Foundation in connection with the observance of the Right to Know Day (28 September) and creating demand for enactment of the Right to Information Law. Although relatively small amounts, these were important breakthroughs.

V. CHALLENGES

Government Response 59. In terms of Government response, 2006 was marked by a test of TIB’s risk-management capacity. The report on Corruption Database 2005 was released on July 5, 2006, which led to unprecedented negative reaction from the Government, which included threats of legal action by a powerful Minister and even a call in the parliament by the ruling party MPs for a coalition of all major parties against TIB. However, because of skilful handling of the situation by building rapport with the Government nothing untoward happened. And indeed in the ultimate analysis, TIB has been made a more popularly known organization with public becoming more informed about its work. As always TIB has continued to face the problem of delay in approval of fund release from NGO Affairs Bureau of the Government. 2007 was no less difficult, particularly following the sharp reaction of Government to one of the reports mentioned above. TIB has,

14 nevertheless, been able to avoid any crisis through various means of improving the relationship including personal rapport building.

VI. CONCLUSIONS

60. The year 2006 witnessed significant progress and achievements. All planned activities were implemented. Some innovations have been successfully experimented. Progress has been made in expanding TIB constituency through new partnerships including financial collaboration. Some vital policies have been adopted which will contribute to further institutional strengthening.

61. On the other hand the period was not free from challenges, especially from the Government. Their response to TIB’s work remained far from the desired level. However, TIB was successful in coping with such challenges, and no major vulnerabilities are expected as we move on. The external evaluators who conducted this year’s Output to Purpose Review (OPR) have given the Making Waves project the highest possible score and expressed the confidence that the project outputs will be fully realized. They have also confirmed that the bulk of the recommendations of previous OPR have been addressed and are in the process of being implemented. This leaves two years for TIB on refining its strategy, streamlining its operations, and maximising impact.

62. Finally, to quote the OPR, “Making Waves has undergone an amazing transformation over the past three years. The Trustees, the Executive Director and his management team, and the staff are to be congratulated. The main praise, however, should go to the CCC Conveners and members, who give their time and expertise for nothing, and the volunteers, who are actively engaged in efforts to mobilize a social movement against corruption around the country”.

Transparency International Bangladesh

Map of Bangladesh showing the CCC areas