TIB warns of entrenched partisanship in administration, judiciary, education, and health

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said despite the fall of an authoritarian regime following the July Uprising, political partisanship remains entrenched across state machinery -- including the administration, judiciary, education, and health sectors.

In its report titled “One Year After the Fall of the Authoritarian Regime: Expectations and Realities”, TIB says the pattern of politicised governance has simply shifted from one group to another.

The report, presented on Monday at the organisation’s Dhaka office, also warns that the process of banning the Awami League under pressure from several political forces may lead to a dangerous political culture of eliminating rivals through legal instruments.

Researchers Shahjada M Akram and Mohammad Zulkarnain highlighted the findings, which cover reforms, justice, governance, law enforcement, financial systems, education, healthcare, elections, media, and the military.

The report raises concern over war crimes trials linked to the July Uprising. It notes controversy over the appointment of judges and prosecutors to the International Crimes Tribunal, citing questions over qualifications and political links.

Despite some progress, many cases are reportedly weak or indiscriminately filed. There are allegations of extortion through case dismissals and politically motivated arrests.

TIB says the administration has undergone reshuffles under partisan considerations. Over 1,300 officers were promoted to posts such as deputy secretary, joint secretary, and additional secretary -- 550 outside sanctioned positions and 764 via supersession.

Forty were sent into forced retirement, while 516, including 45 at senior levels, were made OSDs. The government also reportedly took action against officials who had overseen disputed elections.

Instead of depoliticising governance, TIB argues, a new faction has gained control. “Illegal benefits are being claimed under the pretext of previous exclusion,” it says, citing lack of transparency in promotions and reforms.

In the judiciary, political bias is said to have influenced appointments. Inexperienced judges have reportedly contributed to the case backlog and delay.

In education, political interference has marred vice-chancellor appointments in 48 universities. Though student politics was officially banned, party-linked activities reportedly continue.

In health, one doctor faction allegedly influences recruitment and transfers at the national and district levels. Injured protesters from the Uprising reportedly did not receive proper treatment, with hospitals accused of occupying beds long after recovery.

TIB criticises the formation of a “King’s Party” with apparent state backing.

“It’s widely understood that the National Citizen Party (NCP) is the King’s Party. Two of its members are government advisors, and another joined after resigning,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

While the rise of political parties from the anti-discrimination movement was seen as a positive development, the report says these groups have often embraced the same flawed political culture, involving factionalism, illegal financing, extortion, and control of public spaces.

Between August 2024 and June 2025, TIB recorded 471 political clashes, leaving 121 dead and over 5,000 injured. Of these, 92 per cent involved BNP, 22 per cent the Awami League, 5 per cent Jamaat-e-Islami, and 1 per cent NCP.

Religious parties have rejected the Women’s Reform Commission, threatened protests, and made inflammatory speeches. TIB links them to attacks on shrines, festivals, women, minorities, and libraries.

It also alleges that various parties have influenced recruitment, transfers, and promotions across government institutions without following clear or fair processes. Clashes continue over control of institutions previously held by the Awami League.

TIB estimates that Tk 22.1 million is extorted daily from 53 transport terminals in Dhaka. In Sylhet, political groups have taken over stone quarries, rivers, and public property through leases.

The report says media freedom is under new pressure. At least 150 journalists have lost their jobs. More than 24 were forcibly removed, and 496 faced harassment. Three were killed while on duty. Some 266 journalists were implicated in cases related to the July Uprising. Eight newspaper editors and 11 TV news chiefs were dismissed.

On law and order, the report cites persistent crime, police discrimination, and ongoing custodial deaths. Police reportedly act leniently towards some groups and brutally towards others, reflecting a lack of professionalism.

TIB says banking reform remains inadequate despite some positive signs. No initiative has been taken to form a banking commission. Defaulted loans now stand at 24.13 per cent of total disbursed credit, amounting to Tk 4.2 trillion. Revenue collection remains below target, and over 150 garment factories have shut down amid unrest.

Iftekharuzzaman voiced frustration with the slow reform process. He criticised the government for cherry-picking minor recommendations -- like toilet cleanliness -- while ignoring structural reforms in health, media, and women’s rights.

“We’re just seeing one brand of partisanship replaced by another,” he said. “The mentality now is ‘we were out of power, now it’s our turn to enjoy’. This is reflected across governance and politics.”