The recent revelations from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) regarding rampant corruption in service sectors are both alarming and disheartening.
The staggering estimate of Tk1.46 lakh crore in bribes paid between 2009 and April 2024 paints a grim picture of a society where corruption has become entrenched in the very fabric of public and private service delivery.
The findings of the “Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2023” are particularly troubling. With 70.9 per cent of respondents reporting experiences of corruption, it is evident that the issue transcends individual sectors and has become a systemic problem.
Passport services, with an astonishing 86 per cent of households encountering irregularities, exemplify the extent to which corruption permeates essential services. The fact that 74.8 per cent of those seeking passports admitted to paying bribes is a stark indicator of the moral decay that has taken root.
Moreover, the survey highlights the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), law enforcement, and judicial services as other sectors plagued by corruption.
The average bribe of Tk30,972 in judicial services is particularly concerning, as it undermines the very foundation of justice and fairness in society. When citizens are forced to pay to access their rights, the rule of law is compromised, and public trust erodes.
Barishal division’s designation as the most corruption-prone region, with 82 per cent of households reporting corruption, further underscores the need for targeted interventions. The findings call for urgent reforms in public service delivery, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and vigilance.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, aptly describes this survey as a snapshot of the corruption crisis in Bangladesh. It is a clarion call for both the government and civil society to take decisive action. The time for complacency has long passed; the public deserves a system that operates without the shadow of bribery and corruption.
As Bangladesh grapples with these challenges, stakeholders must come together to implement robust anti-corruption measures. This includes enhancing oversight mechanisms, promoting whistleblower protections, and fostering a culture of integrity within public institutions.
Only through collective action can we hope to restore public trust and ensure that essential services are delivered fairly and equitably. The fight against corruption is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for the nation’s progress and prosperity.
