Dr Matiur Rahman :
Corruption is a pervasive problem plagues societies worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. Despite its significant progress in various fields, corruption remains a major impediment to the country’s development and threatens the well-being of its citizens.
Corruption in Bangladesh takes many forms, from petty bribery and embezzlement to grand crimes involving high-ranking officials and politicians.
It has permeated nearly every aspect of society, from government institutions and law enforcement agencies to businesses and healthcare services.
This pervasive corruption has significant economic, social, and political consequences.
One of the primary reasons behind the prevalence of corruption in Bangladesh is the lack of transparency and accountability in government institutions.
Public officials often exploit their positions for personal gain, taking bribes in exchange for services or using their influence to manipulate policies and regulations in favour of vested interests.
This hinders the efficient functioning of the government and erodes public trust in state institutions.
The socio-economic consequences of corruption are dire.
It leads to a misallocation of resources, reduced public investments in critical sectors like healthcare and education, and perpetuates poverty and inequality.
Moreover, corruption discourages foreign investments, hindering economic growth and job creation.
Addressing the issue of corruption requires a multi-pronged approach that targets the root causes and provides long-term solutions.
The first step in tackling corruption is strengthening existing anti-corruption institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
These institutions must be adequately funded, staffed with qualified personnel, and granted operational independence.
Ensuring that the ACC is free from political interference is crucial in its ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without bias.
Furthermore, these institutions should be able to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials, irrespective of their rank or political affiliation. This would send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated at any level of government.
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corruption. Bangladesh should enact comprehensive whistleblower protection laws that shield individuals who report crimes from retaliation or harassment.
These laws should also provide incentives, such as financial rewards, to encourage individuals to come forward with information about corrupt practices.
Transparency and accountability are essential in the fight against corruption. The government should enhance transparency in public procurement, budget allocation, and decision-making processes.
This includes making government contracts and expenditures accessible to the public, implementing e-procurement systems, and conducting regular audits of public funds.
Additionally, public officials should be required to declare their assets and income, and these declarations should be made available to the public.
This would create a system of checks and balances, allowing citizens and civil society organisations to monitor the financial activities of public servants.
The adoption of digital technologies can significantly reduce opportunities for corruption.
Implementing e-government initiatives can streamline administrative processes, reduce human contact, and minimise opportunities for bribery and extortion.
Digitalisation can also enhance transparency in service delivery by creating digital records that are less susceptible to tampering.
Furthermore, digital payment systems and online financial transactions can reduce the reliance on cash, often used in corrupt practices.
Encouraging digital payments for government services and transactions can help mitigate corruption in everyday interactions between citizens and officials.
Bangladesh must invest in public education and awareness campaigns to combat corruption effectively.
Citizens need to understand the negative consequences of corruption on society and their lives.
Education should focus on ethics, civic responsibility, and reporting corrupt activities.
In addition, public awareness campaigns should encourage citizens to report corruption and use available channels, such as hotlines and online reporting platforms.
These campaigns should emphasise the role of the individual in the fight against corruption.
An independent judiciary is crucial for prosecuting corruption cases fairly and effectively.
Bangladesh should strengthen the court’s independence, ensuring judges are free from political influence and external pressure.
The legal process for corruption cases should be expedited to ensure timely justice.
Delays in the legal system can undermine the credibility of anti-corruption efforts, as circumstances can languish for years without resolution.
Corruption is a global problem, and international cooperation can play a significant role in curbing corrupt practices.
Bangladesh should collaborate with international organisations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, to access resources, expertise, and best practices in combating corruption.
Furthermore, cooperation with neighbouring countries can help address cross-border corruption and money laundering, often involving cross-border illicit financial flows.
Regional initiatives can strengthen the collective effort to combat crime effectively.
Perhaps the most critical factor in combating corruption is political will and leadership.
Political leaders must lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption.
This includes refraining from corrupt practices, supporting anti-corruption initiatives, and holding corrupt officials accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
Leaders should also create an environment where whistleblowers are protected and encouraged and transparency and accountability are valued. Without political will at the highest levels of government, anti-corruption efforts are likely to be undermined.
Corruption is a deeply entrenched problem in Bangladesh, but not impossible.
With a concerted effort and a commitment to change, the country can significantly progress in curbing corruption.
The strategies outlined above, including strengthening anti-corruption institutions, promoting transparency, and enhancing judicial independence, can serve as a roadmap for a more transparent and accountable future.
It is imperative that all segments of society-government, civil society, businesses, and citizens-work together to root out corruption.
By doing so, Bangladesh can unlock its full potential for economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
The fight against corruption is not just a legal or administrative challenge but a moral imperative and a pathway to a brighter future for Bangladesh.
(The writer is a researcher and development worker).
