Dhaka: Finance Minister AMA Muhith's comment that those who have power get involved in graft is a political recognition and manifestation of political will, said Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

"We've always been talking about corruption, and now we want to believe the minister's statement as a political recognition and manifestation of political will," he said while talking to UNB.

Muhith and the government must be aware what needs to be done in this situation and they should take steps accordingly, he added.

Only words cannot eradicate corruption, said the TIB Executive Director adding that everyone should be treated equally under law and be brought to justice regardless of their position and power.

Appreciating the Anti-Corruption Commission's (ACC) hotline service, 106, as a very positive step, he said, "Almost everyone in the country has a mobile phone set, now a chance has been created to be vocal. However, the system should be developed to have benefit out it."

First of all, the security of the whistleblower must be ensured and then ACC must create examples that lodging complaints works.

On Thursday, the Finance Minister, while inaugurating the ACC's hotline, said those involved in providing services, the people who control something or who have power, resort to corruption misusing their power but it would not have continued if the general people have not participated in it.

Former ACC Chairman Golam Rahman also appreciated the new service and said it must be taken care of that no one gets harassed through it and special attention should be given to get proper benefit from the service.

Appreciating the ACC move, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Mohammed Farashuddin said it is a very good initiative.

He said whoever lodges complaint about any corruption must act in a responsible way, or else unwanted problems may arise as there is a scope for using the service for personal avenge.

The hotline was launched so that people can directly communicate with the Commission through it and action can be taken immediately as per their complaints.