Dhaka, Nov. 11 -- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Wednesday called on State Minister for Local Government Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam to publicly apologise for his remarks concerning gifts from contractors and withdraw those remarks unconditionally.

In addition, TIB demanded that the government seek a formal explanation from the State Minister and ensure his accountability, as well as verify the authenticity of the advice reportedly given by the senior secretary mentioned in his remarks and take appropriate legal action accordingly.

The TIB expressed outrage and strongly condemned remarks made by the State Minister, which appear to legitimise the criminal practice of bribery under the guise of gifts...