When Will Bangladesh Be Free from the Clutches of Corruption?
Progga Das :
Bangladesh is a country with immense potential, moving towards the horizon of prosperity and development.
However, an invisible chain of corruption hangs over this potential, acting as a shadow that continuously stifles the nation’s spirit. At every step of progress, it imposes shackles. Corruption refers to any activity that goes against ethics, justice, and law and order.
It involves the misuse of power for personal gain, unethical transactions, or illegal benefits that deviates society, the state, and institutions from the path of fairness and integrity.
It is a social disease that weakens the foundations of good governance, justice, and equality, leading to long-term moral and economic decline. Corruption erodes public trust, makes good governance uncertain, and traps the economy under an opportunistic system rather than a just one.
In 2024, Transparency International (TI) published a report that is not just a set of numbers but a warning, a tragic document.
Out of 180 countries, Bangladesh ranks 151st, marking the worst decline in 13 years. With a Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score of 23 in 2024, it is evident that the country’s governance system is heading towards an unpredictable darkness.
Corruption has infiltrated government offices, educational institutions, healthcare services, and even lower administrative levels. Tender manipulation in contracting, irregular appointments in government jobs, and embezzlement through fake projects are daily occurrences. Due to corruption, the country’s economy suffers immensely.
According to the World Bank, Bangladesh loses approximately 2-3 billion dollars annually due to corruption. If this money were properly utilized, it could bring unprecedented development in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social security sectors.
Corruption not only hinders economic growth but also increases social inequality, causes a lack of good governance, and deprives citizens of their fundamental rights. It distorts fairness at every level of government services and daily life.
Corruption never comes alone; it brings greed for power, self-interest, and the silence of the people. Weak institutions, lack of accountability, absence of rule of law, and political interference are the primary factors behind corruption.
Additionally, moral degradation, lack of social awareness, and a tendency to accept corruption as normal further encourage it in our society. Corruption leads to multifaceted and far-reaching problems in society and the state.
It causes disorder and moral decay, threatening social stability. It creates social inequality, where the underprivileged suffer more while the powerful become stronger. Economic stagnation sets in, reducing investments, slowing development, and shrinking employment opportunities.
Administrative complexities intensify, making bribery essential for getting things done, thereby turning citizens’ rights into commodities. Corruption results in excessive costs in government projects and resource wastage, hindering the country’s economic growth.
On an international scale, the country’s reputation is at risk. Foreign investors perceive Bangladesh as a high-risk country, discouraging investments and negatively impacting employment and economic development.
Such a situation can have disastrous consequences for the economy. Overall, corruption completely destroys the socio-economic development of the country.
Therefore, necessary measures must be taken to combat this deep-rooted social disease. While corruption cannot be eradicated overnight, today’s efforts will pave the way for a corruption-free, prosperous nation in the future.
To prevent corruption, the first step is to establish strong and independent institutions. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must be empowered and allowed to function independently.
Additionally, accountability must be ensured at both government and private levels. Strict enforcement of laws against corruption is essential, ensuring that no individual or institution is above the law. Administrative transparency must be ensured. Increasing the use of technology in government operations is crucial.
Digitalization and e-governance can help reduce corruption. Online services, e-tendering, and digital transactions can enhance transparency. Education and awareness must be promoted. A social movement against corruption must be built. Educational institutions should incorporate subjects on ethics and good governance.
The media must be allowed to function freely without political or administrative interference in exposing corruption. Exemplary punishment must be ensured for corrupt individuals so that others are deterred from following the same path.
Alongside the government, civil society also has a vital role in preventing corruption. The government must adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. On the other hand, citizens must raise their voices against corruption.
The civil society and young generation must take the lead in this struggle. Political will, administrative efficiency, and, most importantly, collective public awakening are essential to breaking free from the clutches of corruption.
Our country and our future are deeply interconnected. If we fail to curb corruption, the future will be bleak. But if we can break free from these shackles, Bangladesh will become a truly dreamlike nation, one of justice, good governance, and development. Sustainable development and prosperity in Bangladesh are impossible without tackling corruption.
Standing against corruption must be our national priority. Not just laws and policies, but our mindset and thought process must change. Everyone must work together to build a corruption-free Bangladesh. It is not just a goal; it is a matter of our very existence.
(The writer is a student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College Phone Number: 01957196250 Gmail: [email protected])