Exhorting the people to say no to corruption, the chief justice has called for a social boycott of corrupt persons to free the country of this vice.
Citing corruption as a social disease, Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain said, "It (corruption) creates economic inequality in society and also obstructs balanced development of the country."
He made the remarks as the chief guest at 'Assembly of Students and Integrity Units' hosted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Jatiya Natyashala auditorium on Sunday.
The national anti-graft watchdog organised the event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day-2018.
ACC chairman Iqbal Mahmud presided over the programme where ACC commissioners Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan and AFM Aminul Islam also attended.
"Our ancestors liberated the country at the cost of great sacrifices and hardship, but corruption in society disrespects the spirit of the liberation war," the chief justice said.
Ideology and ethics are vanishing from society, he said, adding: "Only the youth can change the situation through their strength and potential."
Justice Hossain called the ACC to engage the nation's youth in social activities that intent to curb corruption.
Mentioning that there is no alternative to social movement to uproot graft, he said if the youth fight against dishonesty, unfairness and corruption, none will dare do such acts.
Earlier on the day, Mr Mahmud inaugurated the day's programme at the ACC headquarters in the capital's Segunbagicha around 09:00am.
Speaking on the occasion, he said corruption is the key barrier to development of third-world countries.
More than 2.0 per cent of gross domestic product in Bangladesh is lost in corruption, he cited.
Corruption fades achievements in education, health, governance, judiciary and democracy in the countries like Bangladesh, Mr Mahmud mentioned.
Mentioning that corruption is on the wane, thanks to regular drives by the commission, he said their drive will continue. Everyone has to be united to stop graft practices, he said categorically.
ACC officials formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club as part of observing the day.
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