Bribery: A Systemic Threat to Good Governance

Bribery remains one of the greatest obstacles to good governance, justice, and sustainable development in Bangladesh. Although corruption exists in many countries, its persistence in Bangladesh has become a matter of deep public concern. For decades, successive governments have promised to combat corruption, yet bribery continues to affect many public institutions, weakening the rule of law, eroding public trust, and undermining citizens’ confidence in state institutions.

For many Bangladeshis, bribery has become an unfortunate reality of daily life. From obtaining land records and trade licences to filing police complaints, accessing healthcare, receiving social services, and seeking justice through the courts, many people believe that official procedures move faster only after unofficial payments are made. Such practices deprive citizens of services that should be available equally to everyone under the law.

Bribery is no longer viewed simply as an individual crime; it has gradually evolved into a systemic governance problem. The amount demanded often depends on the importance of the service, the urgency of the request, and sometimes even the financial condition of the applicant. As a result, corruption has become normalised in some sectors, creating a culture where many people consider illegal payments an unavoidable part of dealing with public offices.

The consequences extend far beyond financial loss. Bribery weakens democratic governance, undermines transparency and accountability, increases inequality, and damages public confidence in government institutions. Most importantly, it violates the constitutional principle that every citizen deserves equal treatment before the law regardless of wealth, political influence, or social status.

According to recent findings by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), an estimated Tk 12,633 crore was paid in bribes across public and semi-public service sectors during one year under the interim government. This enormous financial burden ultimately falls on ordinary citizens who are often compelled to pay illegal fees simply to obtain services to which they are legally entitled.

The poor suffer the most. Wealthier individuals and businesses may reluctantly absorb bribery as an additional cost, but low-income families often cannot. Consequently, many poor people are denied services, forced to endure long delays, or abandon their legal rights altogether.

Bribery also affects Bangladesh’s economy. It increases the cost of doing business, discourages entrepreneurship, reduces competition, and weakens productivity. Foreign investors generally prefer countries where regulations are transparent, contracts are fairly enforced, and administrative procedures are predictable. Widespread corruption discourages investment, limits job creation, and slows economic growth. Corruption in public procurement and misuse of government resources also reduce funds available for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.

Despite these challenges, international experience demonstrates that bribery is neither inevitable nor impossible to reduce. Several countries once struggled with widespread corruption but successfully transformed their public institutions through determined political leadership and institutional reform.

Singapore is perhaps the best-known example. During the 1950s and 1960s, corruption was common throughout public administration. The government responded by strengthening the independent Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), enforcing strict anti-corruption laws, improving public sector salaries, and ensuring that no one was above the law. Today, Singapore consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries in the world.

Hong Kong achieved a similar transformation after establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1974. Through strong investigations, administrative reforms, and public awareness campaigns, corruption declined dramatically, making Hong Kong one of Asia’s most transparent administrations.

Georgia introduced sweeping reforms after the Rose Revolution in 2003 by dismissing thousands of corrupt police officers, simplifying government procedures, digitising public services, and strengthening accountability. Within a relatively short period, everyday bribery declined significantly. Similarly, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden consistently rank among the world’s least corrupt nations. Their success reflects transparent public administration, independent courts, free media, professional civil services and strong public accountability. Likewise, Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing corruption through institutional reforms, digital public services, and a policy of zero tolerance towards bribery.

These international experiences reveal several common lessons. Political commitment is indispensable. Anti-corruption efforts succeed only when governments apply the law equally to everyone regardless of political position or financial influence. Independent anti-corruption agencies, impartial courts, transparent administration, digital governance, effective oversight institutions, and an active civil society are equally important.

Bangladesh has already taken several positive steps, including establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), expanding e-governance, introducing electronic procurement systems, and digitising certain public services. These reforms have improved transparency in some sectors. However, much more remains to be done to ensure that citizens can obtain public services without fear of harassment or illegal payments.

Reducing bribery requires strengthening accountability at every level of government. Corruption cases must be investigated professionally and resolved without unnecessary delay. Public officials found guilty of corruption should face appropriate legal consequences regardless of their position. The law must be applied equally and consistently to everyone.

Further digitalisation of government services would significantly reduce opportunities for corruption. Simplifying administrative procedures, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, and publishing official fees and service standards would also make it more difficult for intermediaries and corrupt officials to demand illegal payments.

Whistleblowers, investigative journalists and civil society organisations can play a vital role in exposing corruption and promoting transparency. They should be protected from intimidation and retaliation. Schools, universities, religious institutions and community organisations can also help build a culture of integrity by promoting ethical values and civic responsibility.

The private sector shares responsibility as well. Businesses should adopt strong corporate governance, transparent procurement practices, and zero-tolerance policies towards bribery.

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in economic growth, infrastructure development, education, poverty reduction and digital transformation. These achievements demonstrate the country’s enormous potential. However, sustainable development cannot be achieved unless governance improves alongside economic progress. Citizens must have confidence that public institutions operate fairly, transparently, and according to the rule of law.

If Bangladesh truly aspires to become a prosperous, democratic and developed nation, eliminating bribery must become a national priority. Government, political parties, public officials, businesses, civil society, the media and citizens must work together to build a culture where honesty is rewarded, accountability is upheld, and public services are delivered without corruption, fear, or discrimination. Only then can Bangladesh ensure justice, protect citizens’ rights, and build a transparent and inclusive society for future generations.