TIB notes progress, raises governance concerns
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday described the first 100 days of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government as a mixed period, citing a number of encouraging initiatives alongside continuing concerns over governance, accountability, corruption and law and order.
The anti-corruption watchdog said that while the government has pledged zero tolerance towards crime and irregularities, challenges such as extortion, drug trafficking, theft, robbery and the misuse of influence remain evident in various sectors.
It noted that allegations of political and administrative patronage continue to hamper efforts to address these issues effectively.
The observations were presented at a press conference held at TIB’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
According to TIB, public expectations following the July uprising and the 13th National Parliament election were focused on establishing a welfare-oriented, accountable and corruption-free state.
The organisation acknowledged several positive measures taken by the government during its first months in office, including public commitments by senior leaders to promote good governance, tackle corruption and strengthen accountability.
TIB also welcomed a number of symbolic initiatives, such as ministers declining duty-free vehicles and government plots, limiting the use of state protocol and introducing performance assessments for cabinet members. It described these steps as positive indications of a commitment to reform.
However, the organisation said some actions and remarks by senior government figures appeared inconsistent with the ruling party’s election manifesto and its 31-point state reform agenda, raising questions about the pace and direction of reform efforts.
According to data collected by the organisation, at least 605 murders and 196 kidnappings took place across the country during this 100-day period. The organisation also remarked that law and order across the country had deteriorated severely.
The report noted that the government has sought to implement election pledges while confronting significant challenges, including persistent inflation, economic uncertainty, weaknesses in the banking sector, energy supply concerns and public security issues.
TIB commended the government’s decision to enact 17 of the 133 ordinances introduced during the interim administration.
At the same time, it cautioned that certain legal amendments could affect the balance between executive authority and institutional oversight, including areas related to judicial independence, human rights protections and anti-corruption measures.
The watchdog also expressed concern over the lack of visible progress in reconstituting key institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Information Commission.
It warned that delays in restoring these bodies could weaken efforts to promote transparency, safeguard rights and ensure access to information.
According to the report, concerns remain over the influence of political considerations in appointments and postings across sections of the public administration, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, local government bodies and educational establishments, despite official commitments to merit-based governance.
While acknowledging the government’s repeated declarations against mob violence, extortion and illegal occupation, TIB said more tangible results were needed to address such practices in markets, transport hubs and other sectors.
It also referred to allegations of political influence in cases involving extortion, land disputes and procurement processes.
The report further highlighted concerns over incidents affecting religious minorities and cultural groups.
It cited recent attacks on the Shah Ali Mazar in Dhaka and on a Baul performer in Kushtia as examples of ongoing challenges relating to religious and cultural freedoms.
TIB observed that although various ministries have launched programmes aligned with election commitments, the absence of comprehensive anti-corruption strategies, governance reforms and risk-based planning could limit the effectiveness of those initiatives.
Speaking at the press conference, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the government’s first 100 days had generated optimism in some areas but that stronger measures were needed to establish good governance and accountability.
“The government’s first 100 days have shown promise in certain respects. However, there is still a need for more visible and effective initiatives to strengthen good governance, prevent corruption and institutionalise accountability,” he said.
TIB urged the government to take further steps to strengthen democratic institutions, improve transparency in public administration, reduce political influence in governance and advance meaningful anti-corruption reforms in line with public expectations following the July uprising and the most recent parliamentary election.
