United News of Bangladesh

As Bangladesh sets its sights on becoming a developed nation, systemic corruption remains one of its most formidable obstacles, infiltrating every stratum of society – from mega infrastructure projects to the most basic public services. From glistening billboards heralding “mega development” to hollow concrete shells gathering dust, the nation’s ambitious growth narrative is increasingly undermined by a sobering reality – corruption is throttling progress and betraying the very people it purports to uplift. Court imposes travel ban on Hanif, his family over corruption In recent years, billions of taka have been funnelled into infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Yet many of these projects exist only on paper or lie incomplete, leaving citizens questioning where the money has truly gone. Infrastructure Mirage: Projects Built to Siphon, Not Serve Over the past decade, Bangladesh has embarked on numerous mega projects – the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and countless highways and flyovers.  These undertakings represent national pride but have also become fertile grounds for corruption. A 2023 World Bank study estimated that Bangladesh loses over 2% of its GDP annually to corruption, particularly in public procurement and infrastructure. Experts argue that many of these ventures are conceived not to meet public needs but to create opportunities for kickbacks and fund embezzlement. Consider the road cutting through Kurigram’s remote villages – once paved with optimism, now largely washed away. Court imposes travel ban on ex-AL MP, family in corruption case Villagers alleged that local contractors, shielded by former ruling party leaders, pocketed funds by using substandard materials.  A road meant to benefit 10,000 residents now barely supports foot traffic. “The work was done on paper. The bills cleared. But the road was never meant to last,” said a local union council member, speaking on condition of anonymity. This is far from an isolated case.  A 2022 audit by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) found that over 40% of rural infrastructure projects were plagued by serious irregularities – from fake tenders to work existing solely in documentation. The Case of Vanishing Roads Bangladesh’s rapid economic ascent and ambitious development projects often garner international acclaim.  Yet beneath the surface of gleaming bridges and highways lies a grimmer reality – rampant corruption draining the nation, turning dreams of prosperity into crumbling roads, empty hospitals, and broken public trust. In the rural district of Patuakhali, locals jest about a “road to nowhere.”  Constructed two years ago under a rural development project, the road remains unfinished, barely passable during monsoon, with parts already disintegrating. Allegations quickly surfaced: fake billing, inferior materials, and contractors disappearing post partial completion. Ongoing projects taken by AL govt under scanner for corruption: Adviser “They inaugurated the project with cameras, but now it’s just dust and broken promises,” Abdul Karim, a local farmer, told a local newspaper. Such “ghost roads” are hardly rare. A Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report revealed that nearly 30% of funds earmarked for rural road development are lost to corruption, bribery, and fictitious tenders. All-Weather Road in Kishoreganj Turns into a White Elephant The much-anticipated all-weather road in Kishoreganj – once touted as a transformative infrastructure project aimed at easing transport challenges and stimulating the local economy – is now widely derided as a “white elephant.” Constructed at the cost of several crores of taka, the road was intended to link remote areas of Kishoreganj with the district town, promising year-round accessibility. However, poor planning, shoddy construction, and lack of maintenance have rendered it nearly unusable within just a few years. Locals report that large sections are already riddled with potholes, with some turning to mud pits during the rainy season – negating the very idea of an “all-weather” road. Despite repeated complaints, authorities have yet to take concrete action, fuelling public anger and disappointment. “We had high hopes that this road would change our lives by improving communication and market access, but now it feels like a waste of money,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Pakundia upazila. Locals have raised serious concerns about the accountability of the contractors and officials involved. Allegations of corruption, use of low-grade materials, and irregularities in project oversight are widespread. Experts warn that without urgent repairs and monitoring, the road will not only fail to serve its purpose but also stand as a glaring testament to misused public funds. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has yet to release an official statement regarding the road’s current state. In the meantime, the so-called all-weather road remains a symbol of frustration and broken promises for the people of Kishoreganj. Health Sector’s Silent Death While glossy budgets for the health sector expand annually, the condition of public hospitals reflects a grim reality of corruption-fuelled neglect.  In Barisal, a newly constructed 100-bed hospital stands eerily silent – no doctors, no nurses, no equipment. The building is complete; the service is non-existent. A TIB investigation found that bribes account for 25% of rural healthcare expenditure, rendering medical services inaccessible to the poor while funds meant for medicine, staffing and equipment are routinely misappropriated. “We built the hospital. But staffing is another project, and that means more money, more bribes. So it remains empty,” admitted a mid-level health department official. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the extent of the rot. Funds meant for pandemic response were misused – from fake mask deliveries to defective oxygen supplies. Ghost hospitals, phantom patients, and inflated procurement bills became the norm. Hospitals Built but Not for the Sick The healthcare sector’s story is echoed across the country. In Rajshahi, a newly-built 50-bed hospital stands empty – no doctors, no equipment, and no patients. Locals have dubbed it the “hospital of ghosts.”  Though constructed under a health sector project worth hundreds of crores, it remains non-functional due to political favouritism and embezzlement. “Patients are forced to travel 40 kilometres for basic treatment while a fully built hospital is left unused. This is a crime against us,” said Shamsunnahar Begum, a local resident. Corruption in the Shadows From kickbacks in mega projects to grassroots extortion, corruption permeates every sector. Local government officials, political leaders, and contractors form an entrenched network where every link is greased with money.  The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) occasionally launches investigations, but few face tangible consequences. A senior government official, speaking off the record, said, “Many projects are approved just to siphon off funds. The work is secondary.” The true victims of this widespread corruption are ordinary citizens – farmers unable to transport produce, students studying in dilapidated schools, and patients dying without treatment – all because greed is prioritised over service. Economist Dr Nazrul Islam warned, “Corruption is eating away at our development. If this continues, our GDP growth will be meaningless – a number that hides growing inequality and suffering.” Corruption in Bangladesh is not random – it is systemic and politically shielded. From local chairmen to national ministers, a chain of patronage ensures that the corrupt remain protected. Contracts are frequently awarded to those aligned with the ruling party.  Though the ACC occasionally raises its voice, its effectiveness is crippled by political interference. Between 2018 and 2023, over 80% of major corruption cases either stalled or ended with lenient sentencing, according to the Commission’s annual reports. From land development to school construction and relief distribution – all are seen as opportunities for extortion.  Even social safety nets like the “Old Age Allowance” and “VGD Cards” for the poor require bribes for inclusion. “In our area, you need to pay Tk 5,000 to get listed for government relief,” said Shahana Begum, a widow from Narayanganj. Vicious Cycle: Development Without Impact Economists caution that Bangladesh risks falling into a high-growth, low-impact trap – where GDP figures rise but public services collapse. Dr Zillur Rahman, a governance expert, observed, “Bangladesh is building, but not building for people. It’s building for networks of corruption. When roads crumble in two years, when hospitals stand empty, it’s not just waste – it’s theft of people’s future.” The consequences are long-term – poor education, inadequate healthcare, rising inequality, and a disillusioned population. Experts stress that strong political will, independent institutions, and active citizen participation are essential.  Without transparency and accountability, Bangladesh risks becoming a nation of unfulfilled dreams – a country of ghost roads, empty hospitals, and growing despair.   They further recommend enhancing the independence of the ACC with prosecutorial authority, digitising procurement and project monitoring, and reducing human interference to curb corruption. Without sweeping reforms, Bangladesh may become a nation of “ghost projects” – where development is a spectacle, not a service. “We don’t just need roads and hospitals – we need them to work. Otherwise, it’s just concrete and corruption,” lamented a frustrated schoolteacher in Dhaka.      

The interim government has decided to scrutinise the running projects taken during the Awami League regime to identify if there were any corruption and irregularities. As coordinator the planning ministry will ask other ministries to send their documents regarding this. The decision was taken on Monday at the National Economic Council meeting held at the planning ministry with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed the reporters after the meeting. He said that the allocations of the running projects, which were taken during the Awami League regime, are done by the respective ministries as their monetary allocation has been approved. “What are the condition of those projects, are they in good condition or lying for a long time without any progress,” the planning adviser questioned. He also said that these projects are not needed to come to the planning ministry as they got the approval from the ministry before. “So we have taken a decision, the projects which are running from before (our time), these projects are not coming to us for amendments even, but they are with the ministries, may be they are running or no one is taking care of them or may be almost dead. We can take an initiative to search those running projects,” he said. He also mentioned that big corruptions are going on in those running projects as these projects have their funding already. “Because ECNEC already gave its approval, the finance ministry is disbursing funds against these projects,” he said.  

The much-sought Muhuri Irrigation Project in Feni, launched with a promise of transforming local agriculture, has failed to deliver its intended benefits due to alleged corruption, inefficiency and substandard implementation. Implemented by the Water Development Board at a cost of Tk 562.69 crore with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project aimed to introduce an underground irrigation system powered by electric pumps and prepaid meters. Despite its completion in June last year, the infrastructure has largely collapsed, leaving thousands of farmers without water and struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Corruption and Mismanagement Local farmers and officials claim that systemic corruption and poor project execution, rather than the floods cited by authorities, are to blame for the failure. The project, spanning five upazilas in Feni and Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram, was divided into nine packages. A German firm, Ludwig Pfeiffer Hoch-und Tiefbau GmbH & Co KG, secured two contracts worth Tk 157.18 crore. Official records reveal that out of 850 planned underground pipeline schemes covering 534 kilometres, only 337 have been handed over, with just 268 operational—many of which are now severely damaged. While the project initially aimed to irrigate 18,000 hectares of land, only around 3,000 hectares have received water so far. Farmers Struggling Without Water Farmers report that the irrigation system is virtually unusable, with stolen electric transmitters and prepaid meters exacerbating the crisis. Read: World's biggest lift irrigation project is flowing in India “How can the scheme function without electric transmitters? They get stolen every few days,” lamented Afsar Uddin, a farmer from Kalidaha, Feni Sadar upazila. Another farmer, Azgar Uddin from Sonagazi, said that the prepaid meter system, intended to lower costs, has instead increased their expenses. "Previously, we used oil-powered pumps, which were costly but reliable. This system was meant to be cheaper, but it’s costing us even more," he said. The Water Management Federation, which oversees irrigation projects, also raised concerns. Its General Secretary, Main Uddin Kamran, claimed that while official records mention over 8,000 pumps, many have never functioned. He dismissed the flood damage explanation as an excuse, attributing the failure to corruption and mismanagement. Financial Irregularities The contractor reportedly withdrew Tk 134.60 crore before abandoning the project, with Tk 16 crore remaining in deposit. Even if the company settles its dues, the government is expected to recover just Tk 6 crore. A field visit revealed that while some infrastructure is in place, most water supply schemes are ineffective. Read more: ACC to investigate allegations of corruption in Third Terminal Project At Alokdia village, underground pipes have burst due to poor-quality materials. "Many pipes broke during installation because they lacked reinforcing rods or mesh in the cement,” said farmer Nur Nabi. Even where the system functions, it remains inefficient. Abdul Matin, a scheme manager, reported that despite inserting money into the prepaid meter, farmers were not receiving water. "Farmers refuse to pay because they aren't getting water. If this continues, the entire scheme will collapse," he warned. Official Defence and Farmers’ Skepticism Abu Tayyab, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kalidaha, noted that farmers suffered major losses in the August floods. Read more: ACC to reinvestigate Padma Bridge corruption case against Sheikh Hasina Although the government provided fertilisers, seeds, and incentives, the lack of irrigation has hindered cultivation, worsening financial losses. Water Development Board officials insist that repeated floods, including one last August, have severely damaged the project. "Some schemes were functional before the August floods, and farmers had started benefiting, but the disaster disrupted operations," said former Executive Engineer Mohammad Rashed Shahriar. Farmers and experts remain unconvinced, arguing that the project’s structural flaws and mismanagement are the real culprits behind its failure.

Entrepreneurs representing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at a regional workshop here on Sunday said corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to business investment and the creation of new entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.   The negative impact of corruption severely affects SME entrepreneurs, they said, expressing their concerns at the workshop organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Representatives from various levels of the SME sector in the Khulna division participated in the meeting. At the beginning, Executive Director of CGS Zillur Rahman mentioned that Bangladesh faces challenges at the sub-national level as a developing country due to a lack of education and training, which hinders the SME sector from fully understanding and following necessary processes. SME entrepreneurs highlighted the need for accessible guidelines on important processes such as applying for trade licenses, conducting online business activities, and obtaining letters of credit. "To address these issues, CGS is developing a "Good Governance Toolkit" in consultation with experts, business leaders, and SME entrepreneurs," Zillur said. Additionally, he said the CGS is organizing these workshops designed not only to provide knowledge but also to gather feedback from SME entrepreneurs. The toolkit includes topics such as the code of conduct, transparency pact, instructional materials, and recommendations for national and regional forum representation. Read: ACC to investigate allegations of corruption in Third Terminal Project During the workshop, entrepreneurs of Khulna highlighted that unlike in other countries, entrepreneurs in our country do not follow the practice of preparing initial documentation and necessary paperwork before starting a business. This habit needs to change, especially for online businesses. To avoid corruption, it is essential to complete all processes related to trade licenses and taxes before starting a business, they said. They also mentioned that due to the complexities and high renewal fees associated with obtaining and renewing trade licenses, there is a tendency to issue new trade licenses, which need urgent resolution. Ensuring women's empowerment in obtaining bank loans is also crucial, said the participants. They called for the inclusion of advance payment for showroom rent in the toolkit and the determination of specific fees for it. The discussion also brought up the suggestion to launch training programmes through forums to enhance business skills. The need to reduce the influence of syndicates in business was emphasized. Read more: AL drowned nation in corruption and misrule: Jamaat Ameer Some entrepreneurs in online businesses are selling products at such low prices that it creates inconsistency for the same products being sold offline, the participants observed. This competitive aspect has been proposed to be included in the toolkit.

Britain’s anti-corruption minister resigned on Tuesday amid a controversy over links to her aunt, ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tulip Siddiq said that she was quitting as economic secretary to the Treasury, saying the issue was becoming “a distraction from the work of the government.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been under growing pressure to remove Siddiq from her post since she referred herself to the U.K. government’s ethics watchdog following reports that she lived in London properties linked to her aunt. Hasina was ousted last year after weeks of protests. Starmer said he was sad to see Siddiq go, adding that the independent adviser on ministerial interests, Laurie Magnus, “has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part.” Siddiq, who is responsible for tackling corruption in financial markets, was named last month in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh against Hasina. The investigation alleged that Siddiq’s family was involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of money were said to have been embezzled. Read: Tulip Siddiq questioned in UK over graft allegation  

Prosecutors in Taiwan indicted former presidential candidate and Taiwan People's Party founder Ko Wen-je on corruption charges Thursday, accusing him of taking bribes during his time as mayor of the island's capital. Ko, a former mayor of Taipei, is accused of accepting bribes related to a real estate development during his time in office, according to the prosecutors' statement. He's also accused of embezzling political donations. If convicted on all charges, he faces a possible 28.5 years in jail. Core to the case is a development owned by Core Pacific City group in Taipei. Prosecutors say Ko allowed the company to evade city building regulations in exchange for bribes. “The defendant, Ko, violated his vow as a mayor to not accept bribes, and abide by our national laws. Instead, Ko intended to help the group obtain billions of dollars in illegal benefits, while collecting millions in bribes,” said Kao Yi-shu, the lead prosecutor, while unveiling the charges Thursday. While Ko could not be reached, he has previously denied the allegations of bribery and corruption. His party said the charges were a case of political persecution. Read: Taiwan asks China to cease military activities in nearby waters "With this kind of abuse of power, the government is being reduced to a political thug,” said Lin Fu-nan, a member of the TPP’s central committee. “We call on the black hand of politics not to reach into the judiciary." Ko, a former doctor, burst onto the political scene to win Taipei's 2014 mayoral race. He served two terms from 2014 to 2022. Ko founded the TPP in 2019 as an alternative to the two-party system, promising a break from politics as usual. He ran for President this year. Despite finishing third, he attracted attention for his appeal to young voters. Taiwan's politics is mostly dominated by two main political parties, the Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang) and the Democratic Progressive Party. Read more: Taiwan President visits Hawaii Think Tank amid Chinese criticism Ko's Taiwan People's Party, while small, is allied with the Kuomingtang in Taiwan's legislature and helped it pass three laws last week that critics say have paralyzed the Constitutional Court and will weaken Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's ability to carry out his political agenda.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed six separate cases on Thursday against former health minister Zahid Maleque, his son Rahat Maleque, former state minister for post, telecommunication, and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak and his wife, and former state minister for textiles and jute Mirza Azam and his wife, on various allegations. New ACC Commission imposes travel ban on 5 ex-MPs, families The ACC filed the cases with the Dhaka Integrated District Office, ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam told UNB. Zahid faces accusations of amassing undeclared assets worth Tk 614,256,426, while his son Rahat Maleque is accused of acquiring assets worth Tk 114,984,161. Palak was charged with acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 87,347,042, and his wife Arifa Jasmine was accused of possessing assets worth Tk 95,893,433. ACC to start probe against ‘big fish’ soon: New Commissioner Mirza Azam was accused of acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 397,667,200, while his wife Dewan Aleya faces allegations of acquiring assets worth Tk 237,771,995.

The Transparency International (TIB) findings revealed in household surveys since 2010 show that from 2009 to April 2024, the included service sector institutions have collected an estimated total of Tk 146,252 crore in bribes. The households that paid bribes or unauthorized money for services from May 2023 to April 2024 spent an average of Tk 5,680 each. The total estimated bribes or unauthorized payments across all sectors during this period amounted to Tk10,902 crore, which is 1.44 percent of the national budget for 2023-24 and 0.22 percent of GDP. EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations The passport, BRTA, law enforcement, judiciary, and land sectors were found to be the most corrupt in the service sector, with 70.9 percent of Bangladeshi households reporting corruption between May 2023 and April 2024. Furthermore, 50.8 percent of households experienced bribery at this time, with law enforcement, BRTA, and passport services having the highest percentages. TIB revealed these findings at a press conference unveiling the “Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2023” results. The survey of 2023 revealed that 70.9 percent of households in Bangladesh has experienced corruption in some form while availing services from various public and private sectors or institutions. Passport services 86 percent were identified as the most corrupt sector, followed by BRTA 85.2 percent, law enforcement agencies 74.5 percent, judicial services 62.3 percent, land services 51 percent, public healthcare 49.1 percent, and local government institutions 44.2 percent. Overall, 50.8 percent 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 74.8 percent, BRTA 71.9 percent, law enforcement agencies 58.3 percent, judicial services 34.1 percent, land services 32.3 percent, and local government institutions 29.7 percent. Among the households that paid bribes, 77.2 percent cited the reason as “services cannot be obtained without paying a bribe,” highlighting a concerning institutionalization of bribery practices. Tensions between Bangladesh and India grow over attack on Agartala mission 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 were collected between May 13 and August 3, 2024.  

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, has called for a swift and transparent implementation of development projects, urging officials to stop all forms of corruption and nepotism. Speaking at a progress review meeting of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the financial year 2024-2025, he emphasized that the timely and efficient completion of projects is critical for maintaining the trust of development partners and fulfilling public expectations. “We must ensure that all projects are implemented properly and without delay,” Asif Mahmud stated during the meeting, which was attended by senior officials from the ministry and key project directors. He highlighted that lengthy project schedules have caused disillusionment among development partners, leading to a loss of enthusiasm for future collaborations. The adviser underscored the importance of working in close coordination with development partners in case of unavoidable delays, while maintaining integrity and transparency throughout the project cycle. “All forms of corruption and nepotism must be stopped in project implementation,” he insisted. Out of the total 230 ongoing projects in 19 departments, 62 are funded by foreign development partners, while 168 projects are government-funded. The total budget allocation for these projects is Taka 3,580,888. Asif Mahmud also noted that delays in appointing consultants have been a significant obstacle to the timely execution of projects, particularly in sectors like road construction and culvert works. He emphasized the need for reforms to streamline the consultant appointment process, ensuring quicker decisions and minimizing delays. The adviser further reminded ministry officials of their duty to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people in their work. “The blood of those who sacrificed for the creation of today’s Bangladesh should not go in vain. A new hope has been instilled in the people, and we must work to fulfill those hopes,” he said, urging all ministry staff to take their responsibilities seriously. The meeting was conducted by the Secretary of the Ministry, Md Nazrul Islam, and was attended by senior ministry officials, project directors, chief engineers, and executive engineers.  

In a meeting with the senior government officials, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday emphasised the importance of digitisation to fight corruption. The meeting focused on immediate actions for fast-track digital adoption. Key decisions taken in the meeting include making submission of tax via the e-return portal compulsory for all government officials in the greater Dhaka region and encouraging large corporations to adopt e-return across the organisation. The decision to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on digitisation was also taken in the meeting, while renewed focus was given on improving the investment environment by digitising NBR, the National Single Window project. Other decisions include ensuring interconnectivity of systems across government organisations by keeping an eye on the whole picture and full digitisation roadmap and execution timeline for land related public services, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Yunus-led interim govt may induct some new faces this month: Sources Md Siraj Uddin Mia, principal secretary to the Chief Adviser, Md Abdur Rahman Khan, chairman, NBR, ASM Saleh Ahmed, senior secretary, ministry of land, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman, BIDA, and BEZA, were among those who attended the meeting.