Experts call for strong business platform to combat corruption in Bangladesh

Economists, civil society members, and academicians called for the creation of a strong platform for business bodies to ensure corruption-free business in Bangladesh.

The experts made the recommendation at a national summit on 'Call to action against corruption' on Tuesday.

They observed that the enforcement of anti-corruption rules and regulations is so weak in the country that the degree of corruption in businesses is increasing day by day. Quoting a survey conducted on the impact of corruption on small and medium enterprises, they said that nowadays, people and business entrepreneurs do not dare to raise their voices against corruption as they feel that by paying a bribe, they can reduce their business costs.

The speakers also suggested creating an enabling environment that discourages corrupt practices in public and private sectors and encourages the public to act against corruption. The Centre for Governance Studies organized the summit, which was addressed by, among others, US envoy to Dhaka Peter Haas, CPD executive director Dr Fahmida Khatun, former cabinet secretary Ali Alam Mazumder, Professor Dr Ali Reaz, former NBR chairman Abdul Mazid, Muhammad Saleh Jahur, Dr Manzur A Chowdhury, and Zillur Rahman.

They also called upon the government to ensure accountability within government agencies and require them to inform the public about their accountability mechanisms and activities every six months. The speakers recommended the appointment of an independent Ombudsman at all government offices to monitor and enforce laws and address the culture of impunity among perpetrators of corruption with lawful measures, regardless of their social or political stature. They also suggested streamlining license and certificate processes with reduced points of contact and increased use of technology.

The discussion highlighted that private sector enterprises should also have some responsibilities to fight corruption. The suggested establishment of a private sector coalition to promote business integrity and interest, corruption issues. The summit declaration felt that Chambers and Associations should also have a commitment against corruption and hold the government accountable and take measures to combat corruption.

In his address, Peter Haas said that corruption is a parasite that feeds on the resources of a society and drains it of its strength. It can devastate every level of business and government, he said, adding that corruption exists, to one degree or another, in every corner of the globe, and we are all too familiar with what it looks like.

“It’s trying to get a driver’s license and having to pay 'speed money.' It’s knowing that if you want a passport appointment, it’s going to cost you extra. It’s needing to bribe the right official to register a plot of land you just purchased,” he added.

He said the US supports initiatives that help Bangladeshi businesses meet international standards and regulations, making them more competitive in the global market. By promoting ethical business practices, we can create a more level playing field for businesses of all sizes and encourage more foreign investment, the envoy said.

“The US Agency for International Development, USAID, has partnered with Bangladesh’s Registrar of Joint Stock Companies to launch an online registration process for new businesses. This makes registering new businesses more transparent, faster, and more affordable,” he added.

Suggesting measures to tackle corruption, he said that Bangladesh can think about ways to empower institutions to tackle corruption and promote transparency and accountability in governance and business. “One idea is to reduce the amount of cash that officials handle by replacing cash-based financial transactions with the government with online transactions.”

“Citizens could pay bills, fines, and taxes electronically. Such a process would minimize the opportunity for bureaucrats to overcharge or misplace public funds into their pockets.”

He also recognized the important role a vibrant civil society and free media play in investigating and exposing instances of corruption. He said that if Bangladesh can assure citizens and investors that corruption is less prevalent here than in other markets, it will attract more investment.

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