Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 11, 2026 (BSS)- A training workshop was held here to increase public awareness in preventing and combating corruption, ensure social participation, and further strengthen the activities of the Corruption Prevention Committees at the local level.

Organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Integrated District Office, Rajshahi, the workshop took place today at the Public Works Department auditorium in the city.

Members of the Corruption Prevention Committees from various upazilas and the metropolitan area of Rajshahi district participated.
 
The chief guest at the workshop was Md. Mozahar Ali Sardar, Director of the ACC.

He said the main objective of forming Corruption Prevention Committees is to establish a culture of honesty, justice, and accountability at all levels of society.

"It is not possible to eradicate corruption through law enforcement alone; a social movement must be built for this. Without active public participation, sustainable resistance against corruption cannot be achieved," he remarked.

 He also called on the administration, educational institutions, and social organizations to work in a coordinated manner.
 
Highlighting the importance of the Right to Information Act, 2009, in preventing corruption, he said the RTI Act is an effective tool for ensuring public accountability.

"If government office information is open to the public, opportunities for corruption are greatly reduced," he said.

 He added that the District Information Office is working regularly to make people aware of their right to information. 

He stressed the effective implementation of the RTI Act to establish transparency and accountability.
 
The session was presided over by Md. Fazlul Bari, Deputy Director of the ACC Integrated District Office, Rajshahi.

In his welcome address, he said the role of local-level committees is crucial in preventing corruption.
 "These committees are working tirelessly to create public awareness at the grassroots level and build social resistance against irregularities," he said. 

He added that the ACC is not limited to punitive measures but also gives equal importance to preventive activities.

 He urged everyone to come forward to ensure the practice of honesty at every level of society.
 
In his remarks as special guest, AKM Fazle Hossain, Director of the ACC Divisional Office, said that forming “Honesty Stores” and “Honesty Clubs” in educational institutions can instill ethics and patriotism in the new generation. 

Noting that students must be taught honesty and responsibility from childhood, he said this initiative can succeed through coordinated efforts of the Corruption Prevention Committees, teachers, and the administration.

He also emphasized building a social culture that despises corruption.
 
Md. Amir Hossain, Assistant Director of the ACC Divisional Office, discussed various preventive programs run by the ACC. 

He said the ACC focuses not only on investigating complaints but also on preventing corruption and raising public awareness. 

Awareness activities are being carried out through various educational institutions, government offices, and social organizations. 

Urging the public to come forward with information and cooperation against corruption, he said everyone must act responsibly to ensure the proper use of state resources.
 
Highlighting the role of educational institutions in preventing corruption, Professor Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, said teachers and parents have an important role in motivating students toward moral education.
  
Participants in the workshop emphasized taking more effective initiatives at the local level, raising public awareness, and increasing social engagement to prevent corruption. 
Officials from various government offices, teachers, representatives of social organizations, and members of civil society were present at the event.