Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) — Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed has said that corruption cannot be reduced only by punishing the corrupt; it must also be prevented socially. He noted that if politicians remain honest, society will not decay and corruption will decline significantly.

He made these remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting marking International Anti-Corruption Day at the Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.

The finance advisor stressed that greater emphasis should be placed on preventing corruption in the future, while ensuring strict punishment for corruption committed in the past. At the same time, he said, corrupt individuals must face social rejection, adding that public resentment plays a vital role in curbing unethical practices.

Speaking at the same event, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen said that those who assisted the ousted individuals in fleeing the country in exchange for money should be politically rejected by voters.

He further urged the government to appoint ACC officials to Bangladesh’s high commissions in relevant countries to help recover laundered money brought out of the country.

Dr. Abdul Momen also remarked that corruption would decrease significantly if voters decisively rejected corrupt candidates and extortionists during elections.

END/SMA/AJ