Anti-graft watchdog Transparency International (TI) today said civil society's freedom of speech is vital to eliminate corruption from the society.

José Carlos Ugaz Sánchez-Moreno, chairperson of the International Board of Directors of TI, made the remark at a press conference held at Dhaka University Senate building this afternoon.

The press conference was organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) marking the anti-graft body's 20-year-long journey against corruption in the country.

The TI global Board Chair expressed concern over government's move to formulate Foreign Donations Regulations (Amendment) Act.

The bill could severely restrict civil society's access to funding and hinder their activities and freedom of speech, according to experts.

Sánchez-Moreno said in order to curb corruption, freedom of speech for the civil society is necessary, otherwise the level of corruption will keep increasing in the society, adding that the anti-graft body will monitor government's move in this regard.

A comprehensive strategy is needed to reduce corruption in Bangladesh as it has gone to a systematic and structural level, he also said.

TIB Chairperson and human rights activist Sultana Kamal was also present among others at the press conference.