Tk1.46 lakh crore in bribes paid for services since 2009, highest in passport sector: TIB survey

Bribes worth Tk1.46 lakh crore were paid in various service sectors between 2009 to April 2024, according to the “Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2023” by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

Passport services saw the highest incidence of bribery, with 74.8% of households paying bribes in this sector. 

The survey findings were unveiled today (3 December) at a press conference held at the TIB conference hall in Dhaka.

The survey covered 15,515 households, consisting of 51.4% males, 48.5% females, and 0.1% from the third gender. Among household heads, 23.4% were involved in agriculture or fisheries.

Of the total participants, 70.9% of households experienced corruption while availing services from various sectors.

The survey finds that the highest rate of corruption was reported in passport services, where 86% of households faced irregularities. Other sectors with significant corruption include BRTA services (85.2%), law enforcement services (74.5%), and judicial services (62.3%).

The average bribe across all service sectors was Tk5,680, with judicial services requiring the highest, averaging Tk30,972 per household.

Among the divisions, Barishal recorded the highest rates of corruption and bribery. In this region, 82% of households faced corruption, while 61.9% were subjected to bribery.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said, “This survey provides a snapshot of the prevalence of corruption in Bangladesh, particularly in the service sectors. It is the 10th national household survey on corruption in service delivery, covering both public and some private institutions, with a focus on bribery and corruption in accessing services.”

According to the survey, the estimated total amount of bribes nationally in 2023 was Tk10,902.3 crore, with the land sector accounting for the largest share at Tk2,513 crore.