Public offices demand absolute integrity
It is concerning that a number of high-ranking government officials reportedly hold dual citizenship in violation of the Government Service Act, 2018. A recent probe by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) found that several government employees even laundered money abroad by taking advantage of their foreign nationality. So, the ACC issued letters on January 12 to senior secretaries and secretaries of all ministries, seeking details of such government employees. The search covers employees at all levels of public offices, including semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous bodies, judges, court employees, commissioned officers of the armed forces, and even elected representatives.
The issue of dual citizenship came to the limelight after the fall of the Awami League government when several former ministers and parliamentarians were found to hold citizenship from countries such as the US, UK, and even Papua New Guinea. Article 66 of the constitution clearly states that individuals who acquire foreign citizenship or pledge allegiance to another country cannot serve as MPs or ministers. Yet this precondition was flouted. Even crucial ministries such as finance were led by individuals with foreign citizenship. The judiciary was not exempt either, with a Supreme Court judge, AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, known to have had dual citizenship. The ACC, in its letter, also pointed out that some public officials with dual citizenship are currently residing in foreign countries to conceal their misdeeds and evade prosecution.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. While not every government employee holding foreign nationality is engaged in corruption, the very act of acquiring another country's citizenship while in public service is unlawful. It raises serious ethical and legal questions about their commitment to Bangladesh and their respect for laws. A government job, particularly one that involves policymaking or law enforcement, demands absolute allegiance to the state.
Therefore, the ACC's move to identify and penalise such officials is a step in the right direction. However, as the chairman of the National Board of Revenue has pointed out, it could have conducted the investigation more discreetly to prevent rule-breakers from being alerted in advance. Many officials may not voluntarily disclose their foreign citizenship fearing dismissal under Section 40(1) of the service act. Nonetheless, ACC's action may encourage some to come forward and renounce their foreign citizenship as a corrective measure. Those who fail to do so must be held accountable through collaboration with relevant agencies. Likewise, the Election Commission must ensure that individuals holding foreign citizenship are barred from contesting elections.
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