The recent release of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 paints a grim picture for Bangladesh, which has plummeted to 151st out of 180 countries, scoring a disheartening 23 out of 100.
As per a report of our newspaper published on Wednesday, this marks the lowest score for the nation in 13 years, underscoring a troubling trend that demands immediate attention and action.
Corruption in Bangladesh is not merely a political issue; it is a systemic ailment that permeates various sectors, including public procurement, law enforcement, and healthcare.
The findings of the CPI reveal that Bangladesh is now ranked second lowest in South Asia, ahead only of Afghanistan, and is among 101 countries grappling with a “very serious corruption problem.”
This decline is particularly alarming given that the country’s score is significantly below the global average of 43, highlighting a crisis that cannot be ignored.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), has rightly attributed this deterioration to the governance of the Awami League over the past 13 years.
While political leaders have often paid lip service to anti-corruption measures, the lack of genuine reforms has allowed corrupt practices to flourish unchecked. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which should serve as a bulwark against graft, has been hampered by a lack of independence and accountability.
The time for rhetoric is over; the government must take decisive action. Implementing the recommendations of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission is a crucial first step.
This includes ensuring the ACC operates independently and is empowered to tackle high-level corruption effectively. Without such measures, the cycle of corruption will continue to erode public trust and hinder Bangladesh’s development.
The financial sector, in particular, has been a hotbed of corruption, with repeated scandals involving embezzlement and money laundering. The absence of accountability in these cases not only undermines the economy but also perpetuates a culture of impunity.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the need for governance reforms and effective anti-corruption strategies has never been more urgent.
The international community and civil society must hold the government accountable for its promises. Bangladesh’s future hinges on its ability to confront and dismantle the entrenched corruption that threatens its progress.
In this critical moment, let us hope that the government will rise to the occasion, prioritising integrity and transparency to restore faith in its institutions and pave the way for a brighter, corruption-free future.
