Corruption persists despite the end of authoritarian rule

“The interim government had the chance to take a stronger stand against graft, but they have failed. There is no way to deny it.”

— Iftekharuzzaman executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh

Despite the fall of the authoritarian government on August 5, people expected corruption to come down, but it continues in different forms, said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh.

Regarding whether graft levels have increased or declined, he said TIB is still analysing comparative data. “We cannot conclude now. But we can say corruption is continuing.”

“We saw signs of corruption from the afternoon of August 5. Those who misuse political and governance space for personal benefit are still active. We have also noticed corruption inside different sections of the government. It is worrying. The interim government had the chance to take a stronger stand against graft, but they have failed. There is no way to deny it.”

Iftekharuzzaman made the remarks during a question-and-answer session following TIB’s recommendations for preparing election manifestos of political parties for the 13th national parliamentary election.

The programme titled “The promise of a well-governed, discrimination-free and corruption-free Bangladesh” was held at its office in the capital’s Dhanmondi yesterday afternoon.

On Bangladesh’s relations with neighbouring India, Iftekharuzzaman said it is not a direct part of TIB’s mandate, so they do not make policy proposals in that area. However, he said India faced its most embarrassing diplomatic and political setback in recent history due to its support for the previous authoritarian regime.

“India has not yet admitted this. It is unrealistic to expect they will accept it openly. But it does not mean relations between Bangladesh and India cannot improve. Both countries have strong stakes in cooperation in business, investment, diplomacy, and socio-economic areas. Mutual dependence is real,” he said.

He added that India could have taken a more principled position by distancing itself from authoritarianism. “If India shifted from that position, it would make cooperation easier for Bangladesh.”

Before the session, TIB, the Bangladesh chapter of Berlin-based global anti-graft watchdog, presented 52 recommendations in 14 sectors.

The organisation suggested that all political parties should respect the spirit of the July uprising and the people’s desire for state reforms.

Parties should promise to implement a time-bound and accountable process for reform proposals included in the July National Charter 2025; constitutional reforms and recommendations of six reform commissions (Constitution, Election System, Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Administration, Police, and Judiciary); recommendations of other reform commissions (Local Government, Media, Women, Health, and Labour); those from reports, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights fact-finding report, the committee preparing Bangladesh’s Economic White Paper, and other committees and task forces.

They should continue and enforce ordinances and measures taken based on the July charter, other reform commissions, and amend the ordinances that failed to meet people’s expectations.

On justice for human rights violations and on recognition and support for those killed or injured in the July uprising, TIB proposed that the parties should work above political interests.

All killings, crimes, and human rights violations during the uprising and under the authoritarian government should be properly investigated and prosecuted.

TIB said no reform will be effective or sustainable without successfully preventing corruption. So, parties should promise to implement legal and institutional reforms, especially the recommendations of the ACC Reform Commission.

To stop money laundering, the global graft watchdog proposed effective mutual legal assistance with countries where laundered money has been sent, increasing the capacity and accountability of BFIU, NBR, Bangladesh Bank, the Attorney General’s Office, CID, Bangladesh Police, and other related bodies, joining the Common Reporting Standard, the global financial platform, to ensure transparency in domestic and international financial transactions, and formulating a beneficial ownership transparency act to ensure transparency of ownership in private institutions.

TIB also recommended creating a quality, modern, universal, and equal education system. This includes forming a permanent and independent education commission to develop and update education policy, planning, implementation, and curriculum.

Regarding the health sector, the organisation proposed that health should be treated as a basic right.

TIB suggested committing to good governance, sustainable development and the protection of farmers’ interests. The organisation also proposed forming an independent bank commission made up of skilled and impartial experts.