Speakers called for a well-governed democratic Bangladesh by controlling corruption effectively during the virtual annual meeting of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday.

The meeting was presided over by TIB life member Mohammad Shahjahan Siddiqui and moderated by TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman. Forty-seven campaigners -- involved with the anti-corruption social movement -- participated in the meeting.

In a declaration paper, the participants mentioned that controlling corruption remains something on the papers only as most of the time people of political influence are found involved.

"The issue becomes a mere formality. Relevant bodies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, are also responsible," they said.