Bangladesh's corruption rate is a complex issue, measured through various indices and indicators.
Corruption Perception Index (CPI)
The Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is a widely used measure to assess corruption levels globally. In the 2022 CPI, Bangladesh scored 26 out of 100, ranking 147th out of 180 countries. This indicates a perceived high level of corruption in the country.
Other Indices
Other indices like the World Bank's Governance Indicators and the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) also provide insights into corruption levels.
Factors Contributing to Corruption
Several factors contribute to Bangladesh's corruption problem:
- Weak Governance: Lack of transparency and accountability in government institutions.
- Political Patronage: Favouritism and nepotism in public appointments and procurement processes.
- Lack of Public Awareness: Limited public understanding of corruption and its consequences.
- Low Salaries: Public officials may be susceptible to bribery due to low salaries.
Efforts to Combat Corruption
Bangladesh government has taken steps to address corruption:
- Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC): Established in 2004 to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
- Right to Information Act: Enacted in 2009, providing citizens access to government information.
- National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS): Launched in 2019 to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
Challenges to Combating Corruption
- Political Will: Lack of strong political commitment to fight corruption.
- Impunity: Corrupt officials often escape punishment.
- Limited Resources: Insufficient resources for investigative and prosecutorial agencies.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh needs to strengthen its efforts to combat corruption for sustainable development.
