Curbing Corruption Requires Accountability

Dear Sir,

Corruption has become a deep-rooted institutional crisis in Bangladesh, extending far beyond government offices and undermining public trust, social justice and sustainable development. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, Bangladesh scored 24 out of 100, ranking 150th among 182 countries. Moreover, Transparency International Bangladesh found that over eight in ten households experienced corruption or harassment while seeking public services, with 63.6 per cent paying bribes directly. Citizens paid more than Tk12,633 crore in bribes in a single year.

These figures expose the failure of accountability across institutions. Transfers and temporary suspensions cannot serve as meaningful punishment for proven corruption. Instead, dismissal, confiscation of illicit assets and exemplary legal action must follow. Public services should also adopt online and cashless systems to reduce harassment and irregularities. 

Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption Commission must operate independently, while whistleblowers and investigative journalists need legal protection. Only a genuine culture of accountability can restore public trust and protect citizens’ rights.