Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmad yesterday said Sheikh Hasina, now on parole, should not swear in as the Prime Minister until the pending cases filed against her arc disposed of.

Prof Muzaffer also said Hasina should not distribute ministerial portfolios to those who were convicted or awarded jail terms or now freed on bail.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on 'Curbing Corruption and Good Governance' organised by Dr Ambedkar Foundation at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Prof Ahmad made the call.

Good governance is not possible without the establishment of the rule of law. he asserted. He also stressed the need for strengthening Anti Corruption Commission including local government to ensure transparency and overall development of the country.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) should take necessary steps for quick disposal of the cases filed against taxdefaulters, headded.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the freedom of the Judiciary he said, the judiciary was separated from the executive body but I do have doubt about its independent entity. "I think it is a separation in words not in deeds,” hesaid.

He underscored the need for reformation of the judiciary and administration to establish good governance.

"People of Bangladesh rejected war criminals in this parliamentary poll. They want to maintain good and warm relation among themselves irrespective of religion, cast and creed, which is why they gave their verdict against militancy in the national polls,” headded.

SujanSecretary Badiul Alam Mozumder said good governance means upholding the rule of law, equality between men and women, transparency, accountability and effective participation of people in it

“There was lack of good governance in our society in the past I think mass people gave their mandate in this election to help establish good governance,” he said, adding that a golden opportunity is awaiting us to return to the democratic system through this poll.

"It is also necessary for the BNP to find the reasons behind their election debacle and AL, who has a stunning landslide victory in the polls, must take this triumph as a big challenge," he said.

“We will have to speak the truth and bring transparency in all our activities; only then we will be able to form a corruption-free Bangladesh,” he told the discussion.