‘Misleading’: Foreign ministry denounces media reports on corruption allegations against foreign cadre officials

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced media reports on corruption allegations against foreign cadre officials, citing audit objections’ misinterpretation.

The ministry, alongside the Bangladesh Foreign Service Association (BFSA), in a press release on Thursday (5 September) responded to recent media reports alleging corruption by officials working in various embassies abroad.

The reports, based on claims made by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), suggested that these officials had amassed illegal wealth through misuse of power and other irregularities.

In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the accusations are primarily based on audit objections, which are a routine government process. These objections, related to financial discrepancies, are currently under review and involve the officials’ pensions.

The ministry emphasised that labelling such audit-related issues as “corruption” is inaccurate and misleading.

The reports, which quoted a senior ACC official, suggested that officials and their families had accumulated wealth both in the country and abroad.

However, the foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating that they are prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation based on objective information.

Audits are conducted regularly across all government departments to ensure adherence to financial regulations. If any discrepancies are found, officials are required to repay the amount, either directly or through deductions from their pensions.

The ministry highlighted that recent financial laws, which do not fully account for the realities faced by embassy officials abroad, have contributed to the audit objections.

It also noted that the letter from the ACC, referenced in the media, has not yet been received.

The foreign ministry expressed concern over how this sensitive information was leaked and called for an investigation.

Many of the officials named in the letter have completed their careers with honour and have settled all audit-related issues, it said.

The ministry also warned that the premature publication of such allegations could tarnish the reputations of responsible individuals and harm the image of the foreign cadre.

It stressed that sweeping comments without evidence are unacceptable and that legal action may be taken against those responsible for releasing such information.

In conclusion, the Bangladesh Foreign Service Association reiterated the dedication and professionalism of Foreign Cadre officials, who continue to work tirelessly to safeguard Bangladesh’s national interests abroad.