Before becoming an adviser, I too was forced to pay bribes: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has admitted that corruption is particularly widespread in the service sector, saying he himself was once compelled to pay bribes.

“Before becoming an adviser, I too had to pay bribes to ensure that work was completed on time. I was forced to hand over extra money, describing it as a contribution for tea and snacks,” he said. “People want freedom from such practices.”

He made these remarks yesterday while speaking as chief guest at the launch of the Taxpayer Information Management System (TIMS) software at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was chaired by NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan.

Dr Ahmed noted that harassment in service delivery remains rampant. “People are made to run in circles. But what they want is service. When quality service is provided, no one hesitates to pay for it,” he said.

He stressed the importance of goodwill in governance: “We want to do something for the people. Any incoming government will need time to settle in and to understand. Ultimately, it comes down to intent and sincerity.”

LND/SAE