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TIB findings: Over 70pc of households partake in corruption

Tk 1462.52 billion paid out in estimated bribes in 15 Years: TIB

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The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) findings revealed through household surveys since 2010 show that from 2009 to April 2024, service sector institutions have collected an estimated total of Tk 1462.52 billion (Tk 146,252 crore) in bribes.

Households that paid bribes or unauthorised money for services from May 2023 to April 2024 spent an average of Tk 5,680 each. The total estimated bribes or unauthorised payments across all sectors during this period amounted to Tk 109.02 billion (Tk 10,902 crore), which is 1.44 per cent of the national budget for 2023-24 and 0.22 per cent of GDP.

The passport, BRTA, law enforcement, judiciary, and land sectors were found to be the most corrupt in the service sector, with 70.9 per cent of Bangladeshi households reporting corruption between May 2023 and April 2024.

Furthermore, 50.8 per cent of households experienced bribery during this time, with law enforcement, BRTA, and passport services having the highest percentages. TIB revealed these findings at a press conference unveiling the results of the “Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2023.”

The 2023 survey revealed that 70.9 per cent of households in Bangladesh experienced corruption in some form while availing services from various public and private sectors or institutions. Passport services, with 86 per cent, were identified as the most corrupt sector, followed by BRTA at 85.2 per cent, law enforcement agencies at 74.5 per cent, judicial services at 62.3 per cent, land services at 51 per cent, public healthcare at 49.1 per cent, and local government institutions at 44.2 per cent. Overall, 50.8 per cent of households reported paying bribes or being forced to pay unauthorized money to access services.

The highest incidences of bribery were reported in passport services at 74.8 per cent, BRTA at 71.9 per cent, law enforcement agencies at 58.3 per cent, judicial services at 34.1 per cent, land services at 32.3 per cent, and local government institutions at 29.7 per cent.

Among households that paid bribes, 77.2 per cent cited the reason as “services cannot be obtained without paying a bribe,” highlighting a concerning institutionalization of bribery practices.

The survey collected data on corruption and harassment encountered by selected households while obtaining services from service sectors between May 2023 and April 2024. Data for this survey was collected between May 13 and August 3, 2024.

The survey reveals that corruption and bribery disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized groups. Households earning below Tk 24,000 monthly spend 0.93 per cent of their annual income on bribes, while those earning above Tk 85,000 spend only 0.21 per cent.

Women, religious minorities, indigenous peoples, and individuals with disabilities face additional burdens, worsening their socio-economic challenges. Women are notably impacted by corruption in local governance and educational sectors, hindering their participation and, in certain instances, obstructing their progress.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “We have seen that the much-publicized declaration of ‘zero tolerance against corruption’ remains confined to rhetoric. While the government speaks of combating corruption on paper, reports exposing its prevalence are often dismissed.

“Institutions tasked with preventing corruption are not only ineffective but have also had their operational scope significantly curtailed. Consequently, due to the failure to control corruption, the general public is held hostage to it and forced to accept it,” he added.

“It is concerning that individuals who have been accused of corruption are being promoted to prominent roles, including the role of presidents of organisations and principal guests at events, including religious institutions,” he pointed out.

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