POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Feb 11, 2025 : Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has commented that the inaction of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the organizations created to prevent corruption has led to the spread of money laundering and corruption.
He said that while the previous authoritarian government spoke against corruption, in reality it condoned and nurtured corruption. It even aided and participated in the commission of corruption.
“As a result, Bangladesh’s position has gradually deteriorated due to indiscriminate looting, state patronage of the corrupt, improper implementation of the law, and overall structural weakness.”
He made these remarks at a press conference on Tuesday (February 11) at the TIB office in Dhanmondi in the capital to mark the global release of the ‘Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2024’ conducted by Berlin-based Transparency International (TI).
Ifetekharuzzaman said, “Apart from anti-corruption rhetoric, the fallen Awami League government has not shown any concern or thought about this. Even the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other relevant institutions responsible for fighting corruption have failed to play their real role.”
He said that the most corruption occurred in government project procurement during the Awami League era, but no effective measures were taken. Money laundering and corruption have spread due to the inaction of the agencies created to prevent corruption, including the ACC.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that Bangladesh has received the lowest score on the corruption index since 2012. Except for Bhutan, the scores of all South Asian countries have decreased.
TIB Advisor (Executive Management) Professor Sumaiya Khair and Director (Outreach and Communication) Mohammad Touhidul Islam were also present at the press conference.
In the ranking published by TI after conducting a survey of 180 countries around the world, Bangladesh is ranked 14th in the list of most corrupt countries.
The African country South Sudan tops the list of most corrupt countries. The country received only 8 out of 100 scores on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Somalia is in joint second place on the list. And Venezuela is third. Their scores are 9 and 10, respectively.
On the other hand, Congo and Iran are ranked 151st in the list, tied with Bangladesh, with a score of 151.
