Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said there used to be an old culture of paying off top administrative officials around elections. He claimed that in the past, during elections, UNOs were given 5 million to 10 million taka depending on the size of their police station’s jurisdiction, OCs were given 10 million taka, and DCs were also given large sums. But in this year’s election, he said, not even 10 taka was given to anyone. He said the country is emerging from that “jungle of bribery and corruption” in the administration.
The health minister made the remarks as chief guest at a consultation meeting in Manikganj at noon Monday, held to coordinate law and order, development and public welfare activities.
He said: “Elections were held under the past regime. Frankly, I’ll say this — when an election approached, the UNO would get a minimum of 5 million to 10 million taka, depending on the police station’s size. The OC would get 10 million, the DC too. It was all a jungle of bribery and corruption. This time, an election was held — did anyone get even 10 taka? I didn’t give anyone 10 taka, and no one asked for it either.”
The minister said administrative officials have worked harder this time than before. Without any financial incentive, they have played a role in restoring people’s rights. In the past, he said, officials were threatened with losing their jobs on one hand, while being forced to take improper benefits to keep political actors satisfied on the other.
The minister said: “An environment was created where the message was ‘take it if you must, steal if you must.’ Those days are gone now. Everyone needs to understand that duties must be carried out with faith and integrity.”
Describing another picture of past administrative corruption, the health minister said contractors used to pay even the peons just to get into a minister’s office. He said there were fixed bribe amounts for transferring nurses and doctors too — a nurse’s transfer or a doctor’s transfer cost 300,000 or 500,000 taka. For a director-level post, it was 20 million taka. That’s the kind of bribery that took place.
He said: “The whole scene was full of corruption. We have to get out of this. We are getting out of it, God willing. So this work isn’t something one person can do alone — it has to be a coordinated effort.”
The health minister further said gambling, online gambling and various other forms of gambling are increasing crime in society and worsening the law-and-order situation. He said the spread of yaba and all forms of drugs must be stopped. Those involved in drug use and trafficking must be identified and brought under the law.
He said no drug user or drug dealer should be given cover. To eliminate drugs from society, law enforcement agencies, public representatives and ordinary citizens must work together.
Referring to the country’s independence and sovereignty, the minister said none of us would exist without Bangladesh. The country won its independence in 1971 through a great deal of bloodshed. He said everyone must act responsibly to honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the country.
He said the sacrifices made to protect the country’s independence and the democracy won in 2024 would not be allowed to go to waste. He said everyone must remain united to counter any conspiracy against the country.
Speaking of a firm stance against rape and violence against women, the health minister said those involved in such crimes must be quickly brought to justice. He said the administration and law enforcement agencies must become more active in preventing all forms of violence against women.
Highlighting various problems in the health sector, he said the country’s health sector has long suffered from various crises and mismanagement. Hospitals face shortages of doctors, nurses, staff and modern medical equipment. He said huge sums of money had been embezzled in the name of basic government equipment.
He said that since taking office six months ago, work has begun to address various problems in the health sector. Steps are being taken in phases to increase doctors’ presence in hospitals and improve the quality of health care.
The minister said the number of beds will be gradually increased at hospitals across every upazila in the country. The quality of food for patients will be improved. Specialized care, including separate beds for dialysis patients and children, will be arranged.
He said health services will be reorganized to bring quality care to ordinary people’s doorsteps. Initiatives will also be taken to expand health and public welfare services at the union level.
Declaring a firm stance against corruption, the health minister said corruption must be stopped at every level of society. A government elected by the people’s votes must work with transparency and accountability. Ensuring people’s rights is the government’s core responsibility.
Speaking as special guest, Food Minister and Manikganj-3 MP Afroza Khanam Rita said she wants to build Manikganj district into a model district. For that, she said, everyone must work together to eliminate drugs from society.
Also present as special guests were Manikganj-3 MP and Food Ministry minister Afroza Khanam Rita, Manikganj-1 MP S A Jinnah Kabir, Manikganj-2 MP Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana, District Council chairman advocate Jamilur Rashid Khan, and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam, among others.
Officials from all government offices in the district were also present.