Low case disposal hampers anti-graft drive in 2025

Despite a surge of high-profile corruption cases following the August 2024 mass uprising, Bangladesh's anti-graft momentum is faltering. From asset freezes worth nearly Tk 28,000 crore to investigations against top politicians and bureaucrats, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been active-but low case disposal rates, stalled probes, and persistent political interference suggest that the promise of a corruption-free administration remains elusive. Analysts warn that without strong political will, this period may become a "lost opportunity" in the nation's fight against graft.

Between January and November 2025, the ACC disposed of just 264 cases out of 3,457 pending-a mere 7.63 per cent. Following the fall of the Awami League government, the ACC intensified scrutiny, filing 399 cases against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family, ex-ministers, senior bureaucrats, military officers, and influential businessmen. Charge sheets have been submitted in 321 cases, including the high-profile Purbachal plot case, which resulted in jail sentences for multiple members of the Sheikh family and associated officials.

Other major cases include alleged embezzlement from bridge tolls (Tk 3.09 billion), money laundering via the Shuchona Foundation (Tk 4.49 billion), CRI grant irregularities (Tk 4.39 billion), and corruption linked to Radwan Mujib Siddique and Tariq Ahmed Siddique's families (Tk 620 million). From August 2024 to June 2025, 2,788 individuals-including 343 government officials, 114 businessmen, 92 politicians, and 715 private-sector employees-were implicated in ACC investigations.

The ACC has frozen assets totaling nearly Tk 28,000 crore, encompassing bank accounts, deposits, shares, and immovable properties domestically and abroad. Eleven special task forces were created to probe high-level corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion, while investigations into labor syndicates, embassy officials, and fraud in recruiting agencies are ongoing.

However, investigations into corruption by interim government advisers and key bureaucrats have stalled. Cases involving NCP leader Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, former information adviser Nahid Islam, and other officials point to persistent challenges in accountability. Administrative corruption, including bribery and transfer-trading, continues to affect health services, education, forestry, and state-owned enterprises.

The ACC itself has faced internal corruption scandals, including allegations against deputy director Mahbubul Alam for amassing nearly Tk 5 billion and abuse of power. Investigations are ongoing into former commissioners and senior officials.

The ACC Reform Commission submitted 47 reform proposals in February, including establishing the ACC as an independent constitutional body, forming an internal integrity unit, and ensuring transparent complaint handling. The draft ACC Ordinance, approved by the interim government in November, mandates up to five commissioners with four-year tenures, at least one female member, semi-annual reporting, and expanded investigative powers, including corruption by Bangladeshis abroad.

Yet, experts criticize the government for failing to curb corruption effectively. Dr Iftekharuzzaman of Transparency International Bangladesh warned that entrenched corruption continues, with public trust eroding in government services, market regulation, and political institutions. Surveys indicate that 75 percent of citizens feel the government has failed to control corruption.

The UN Convention Against Corruption emphasizes that corruption threatens democracy, justice, and sustainable development, stressing international cooperation, institutional capacity-building, and public awareness as crucial measures. Political parties are urged to present concrete, time-bound anti-corruption plans, or the interim government's tenure risks being remembered as a lost opportunity in Bangladesh's fight against graft.