Bribery has cost the nation dearly

That service seekers in the country are hapless victims of bribery and corrupt practices of the public service delivery system had remained endemic until the first quarter of this year under review. A recent survey by the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) throws further insight revealing a detailed account of the pervasive culture of bribery in the country. The findings underscore the staggering extent of this entrenched malpractice. Between 2009 and April 2024, an estimated Tk 1.46 trillion was paid in bribes by service seekers to access essential services. According to the survey, a shocking 70.9 per cent of households encountered corruption while engaging with various public and private sector institutions.

The data, drawn from six national household surveys conducted between 2010 and 2023, highlight widespread corruption across sectors. Passport-related services saw the highest incidence of bribery (74.8 per cent), followed closely by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (71.9 per cent), law enforcement agencies (58.3 per cent), judicial services (34.1 per cent), land services (32.3 per cent), and local government institutions (29.7 per cent). An astounding 77.2 per cent of households that paid bribes felt it was an unavoidable part of the system, where services were inaccessible without such payments. Between May 2023 and April 2024 alone, households paid on an average of BDT 5,680 in bribes, with the total reaching Tk 10,902 crore. This sum equates to 1.44 per cent of the national budget for 2023-24 and 0.22 per cent of GDP. These corrupt practices disproportionately affect low-income and marginalised groups, who often lack the means to cope with additional financial burdens. Households earning below BDT 24,000 per month spent nearly 0.93 per cent of their annual income on bribes. Women, religious minorities, indigenous communities, and individuals with disabilities face greater challenges. Women, in particular, are significantly affected in sectors like local governance and education, where corruption hinders their participation and progress.

The survey also finds that in-person service delivery is more prone to corruption compared to digital or mixed methods (partly on-line, partly in-person). Despite efforts to digitise services, corruption persists due to flawed implementation. The reliance on mixed methods, where digital systems are only partially used, creates loopholes that facilitate bribery. This indicates a pressing need to fully digitise service delivery, as partial measures fail to eliminate opportunities for corruption. The absence of comprehensive digitisation and the persistence of impunity for corrupt officials exacerbate the problem. Bribery thrives in an environment where accountability mechanisms are weak and consequences for unethical behaviour minimal.

The TIB's recommendations highlight critical reforms to address these challenges. Strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other relevant institutions is paramount. Full digitisation of services, coupled with the implementation of "one-stop" service systems, could significantly reduce direct interactions and opportunities for bribery. The adoption of modern codes of conduct, including clear protocols, timelines, and service standards, along with mechanisms for recipient feedback, is essential for fostering accountability. These measures are not just idealistic aspirations; they represent foundational steps the government must take to combat corruption effectively. With the interim government committed to restructuring state operations, prioritisation of these reforms is crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring equitable access to essential services.