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.      

Vehicular movement in Dhaka’s Banani area resumed after nearly seven hours on Monday after garment workers withdrew their blockade following police assurances. The protest erupted in the morning after a female garment worker was killed in a road accident near Banani Chairman Bari around 6 am. The garment worker identified as Minara,19, was crossing the road when she was struck. RMG worker’s death in Dhaka’s Banani sparks protests; disrupts traffic As the news spread , workers from nearby garment factories took to the streets and blocked the main road, disrupting traffic on Airport Road and the Elevated Expressway. The blockade led to severe traffic congestion in and around Banani, causing immense suffering for commuters. Office-goers struggled to reach their destinations, with many seen abandoning buses and walking instead. The blockade was withdrawn around 1:30 pm following police intervention, said Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Russell Sarwar.

The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, a lifeline for the country’s trade and commerce, has been plagued by cracks and potholes, particularly along its Cumilla segment, causing serious disruptions to traffic and posing risks to road users. The 105-kilometre stretch from Chauddagram to Daudkandi in Cumilla is in an alarming state, with key sections in Chauddagram Upazila, including Noapara, caving in.  Besides, parts of the two-lane road from Nischintapur to the Cantonment area in Adarsha Sadar Upazila have sustained severe damage. This deterioration has forced drivers of various vehicles, particularly goods-laden ones, to proceed cautiously, resulting in slower traffic and frequent gridlocks.  Biman's capability in ground handling at ‘Third Terminal’ under scrutiny Locals report that traffic snarls and dust pollution have become a daily ordeal for commuters. In the Chandina Bus Stand area, a major portion of the road has collapsed, exacerbating commuter misery.  Beyond the highway, other regional roads in Cumilla are also in disrepair.  The 40-kilometre Cumilla-Sylhet Regional Highway and the 30-kilometre Cumilla-Chandpur Regional Highway are riddled with potholes and narrow stretches, making travel challenging for both drivers and passengers. Impact on Commuters and Drivers Jamil Ahmed Khandaker, president of the Cumilla Motor Association (Bus Owners’ Association), highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, “Several parts of the highway in Cumilla are damaged, causing immense suffering for both drivers and passengers.” People in Chandpur suffer as demand for concrete bridge goes unheeded He called upon authorities to initiate immediate repair work. Abul Hossain, a minibus driver on the Cumilla-Sylhet Regional Highway, described the daily struggles, saying, “The narrow roads, combined with heavy traffic and potholes, have become a constant challenge for drivers.” Abdullah Al Maruf, a passenger from Mujaffarganj, pointed out that while the Cumilla section of the Cumilla-Chandpur Regional Highway is relatively less damaged, the Chandpur section makes travelling extremely difficult. Government Response Suniti Chakma, executive engineer of the Cumilla Roads and Highways Department, acknowledged the issue, attributing the damage to recent floods and heavy rainfall.  “We plan to begin repair work within 15 days,” she assured. Economic Significance of Dhaka-Ctg Highway The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway serves as the primary artery connecting Dhaka with Chattogram, the country's largest port and commercial hub.  This highway facilitates the transport of goods essential for industries such as garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, which rely heavily on Chattogram Port for exports and imports. Illegal sand extraction in Feni continues despite political shift Some 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade flows through this route, underlining its critical importance for sustaining the nation’s economic growth. Ensuring proper maintenance of the highway is imperative for reducing traffic congestion and preserving its efficiency as a trade corridor.  Without prompt action, the current state of disrepair threatens not only road safety but also the country’s economic momentum, locals and businesspeople said.

Vehicular movement on Mahalchhari-Sindukchhari road remained suspended since Sunday morning due to landslides at Pankhimura in Guimara upazila of Khagrachari district. Memong Marma, Guimara upazila chairman, heavy rains triggered landslides in the area in the morning, halting vehicular movement on the road. Movement of CNG-run auto-rickshaws, three-wheelers and small trucks halted due to the landslides, causing immense suffering to the residents. Rising Teesta: Flash floods snap Lalmonirhat-Rangpur road link Already a team of Bangladesh Army is working to remove the soil from the road but it will take a few more hours. Bailey bridge collapse snaps road link in Barishal

Four people were killed in separate road accidents in Faridpur and ChapaiNawabganj and Sylhet districts on Friday. In Faridpur, two youths were killed in a road accident when their motorbike collided with a truck at Goalchamot Sriangan area of Faridpur municipality on Friday. One of the deceased was identified as Injamul, 20, an employee of Alfa Insurance Company and resident of Baithakhali village of Macchar union. Identity of another deceased couldn’t be identified yet. Locals said, two young boys were bound to Faridpur with their motorbike and collided with a truck at Sriangan Bridge while trying to overtake the truck. The truck mowed down the duo with their bike, leaving them dead on the spot.   The truck driver and helper immediately skipped from the scene. Tuhin Laskar, Inspector of Faridpur Traffic Police, confirmed the matter and said that effort is going on to identify the deceased and legal action against driver and helper is also under process. In ChapaiNawabganj, A 35-year-old power tiller driver died on Friday when he was trying to save a calf and was crushed by the wheels of a power tiller at Khesba area of Nachol Upazila under ChapaiNawabganj district. The deceased was identified as Masud, 35, son of Israil Haque and resident of Fatehpur union of Nachol Upazila. Mintu Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Nachol Police Station, said that Masud was going home by driving a power tiller and was crushed by the wheels of the vehicle while trying to save a baby cow lying on the road. On information, police recovered the body, he added.     In Sylhet, a man was killed in a head-on collision between a speedy truck and tractor at Khadimpara area of Sylhet Sadar Upazila on Friday. The deceased was identified as Saidur Rahman, 28, son of Ayas Ali, resident of Khadimpara area of Sylhet Sadar Upazila. According to locals, a truck and a tractor collided head-on at Khadimpara area of Sylhet-Tamabil Highway. Both of the vehicles fell down into a roadside ditch, causing the tractor driver to die on the spot. Sub-inspector of Shahporan Police Station Maniruzzaman confirmed the information.  

As many as five people were killed and several others were injured in separate road accidents in Tangail and Lalmonirhat districts on Wednesday. In Tangail, three women were killed and at least 15 others were injured on Wednesday as a pick-up van lost control and fell into a roadside ditch at Analiabari area of Bangabandu Bridge link road under Kalihati Upazila. The deceased were identified as Sahana Begum, 60, wife of late Sultan, resident of Gandail area under Tangail Sadar Upazila, Nurjahan, 50, daughter of Mahtab Ali, resident of Pechamanik area and Firoza Begum, 60, wife of late Hatem Ali, resident of Gourang area of Dhanbari upazila.  Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Bangabandhu Setu East Police Station, said that the accident occurred when a Sirajganj-bound pickup van carrying 30-35 people lost control and turned down into a roadside ditch, leaving two women dead in the spot and 16 others injured.   The injured were taken to Tangail General Hospital where another woman succumbed to her injuries, the OC said, adding that Police sent the bodies to Tangail General Hospital morgue for autopsy. In Lalmonirhat, two people died and several injured in another road accident at Burirbazar area of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila when a truck hit an auto-rickshaw on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Nabiul, son of Mohammad Ali, resident of Tushbhandar union under Kaliganj upazila and Rejaul Islam, son of Mojibur, resident of Khedabagh area of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila. Locals said, an auto-rickshaw was going to Barabari with 7-8 passengers while a truck coming from the opposite side hit the rickshaw at Burirbazar area. A man died on the spot in the impact of the crash and another one was declared dead by duty doctor when locals took the injured to hospital. Ershadul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, said that two people died in this accident and some sustained critical injuries. They have been sent to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital. However, police have seized the truck from the spot, the OC added.

A school teacher and a van driver were killed after a bus hit the van at Mohanpur upazila in Rajshahi district on Monday morning. The deceased were identified as Mustafizur Rahman Uzzal, an English teacher at Nakheel Ideal High School, and van driver Mobarak Hossain. Read more: 2 killed in Ctg road accidents The accident occurred around 8:30am at Keshorhaat area of the upazila when the Rajshahi-bound bus coming from Naogaon hit the van, leaving the duo critically injured, said Selim Badsha, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mohanpur Police Station. Locals rushed them to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where teacher Uzzal succumbed to his injuries around 1pm. Later, the van driver died around 2:30pm while undergoing treatment at the hospital, added the OC. Police seized the bus, said the OC, adding that legal action will be taken in this regard.

Three people were killed in a collision between a pickup van and a truck on Natore-Bogura Highway at Jolarbata in Singra upazila on Monday morning. The deceased were identified as Rahim Ali, 35, and Bidyut Ali, 32, both were residents of Punduri village of Kalam union and Kachuke, 50, a resident of Najarpur village of the same union. ANM Masud, officer-in-charge of Jhalmalia Highway Police Station, said that a truck hit a pickup van carrying saw mill workers at around 9:30 am, leaving van driver Rahim Ali dead on the spot and 4 others critically injured. On information, the fire fighters went to the spot and rescued the injured people and took them to a local hospital from where workers Bidyut Ali and Kachuke were rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition. They both died while undergoing treatment at the medical college hospital in the afternoon, the OC added.

Road crashes claimed 585 lives across the country in January, said a report of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity. Forty-six people killed in 44 railway accidents while 11 killed and one was injured in 13 waterway accidents, it said. The report was published on Saturday after analysing accident reports published in the country's national and regional dailies and online media during the period. Total 642 people were killed and 978 others injured in 650 accidents on roads, waterways and railways across the country. Two hundred five people died and 114 others were injured in some 214 motorbike accidents across the country last month. Read more: 2 dead in Mymensingh road crash Among those killed in road accident in January, 206 people were drivers, 109 pedestrians, 35 transport workers, 53 students, 10 teachers, 13 members of law enforcement agencies, 115 women, 62 children, five journalists, one freedom fighter, two lawyers, three engineers and 14 activists of different political parties. Among those vehicles involved in the accidents were 12.5 percent buses, 24.75 percent pick-up vans,, covered vans and lorries, 5.2 percent private cars, jeeps and microbuses, 5.88 percent CNG-run auto-rickshaws, 27.32 percent motorbikes, 14.58 percent battery-run human haulers and 9.92 percent three-wheeler vehicles. Of the accidents, 29.51 percent occurred on national highways, 38.61 on regional roads and 24.45 percent on roads. Besides, 5.22 percent accidents occurred in Dhaka city, 1.18 in Chattogram city and 1.01 percent on rail tracks. The association blamed reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and movement of unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers and helpers, plying of slow-moving three-wheelers and human-haulers on highways, using headphones or mobile phones, using drugs, illegal occupation of footpaths, poor traffic management, and violation of traffic rules for the accidents and deaths.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said on Wednesday that there would be no finance allocated for development plans with roads less than 20 feet wide. “Financial allocation won’t be approved for carrying out development work with roads less than 20 feet wide,” he said. Mayor Atiqul made the remarks while addressing a corporation meeting on the sixth floor of the Nagar Bhaban in the capital’s Ghulshan area  as chief guest. Warning of strict action against the perpetrators, he said coordinating with the corporation’s estate department to widen the roads is a must. Besides, RAJUK will have to be informed in writing about the development work of the road, he said, adding that any road gets narrowed due to illegal occupation.   At the meeting, different issues including halting the movement of illegal battery-run auto-rickshaws to save power, opening online councillor certificate system, issuing trade license, coordination with traffic police to reduce congestion, early removal of waste, cleaning waste drainage and shifting the Karwan Bazar kitchen market were discussed. DNCC Secretary Mohammrd Masud Alam Siddique conducted the meeting where the corporation’s councillors, Chief Executive Officer Md Selim Reza, Chief Health Officer Bridger General Md Zobaidur Rahman, Chief Engineer Bridger General Muhammad Amirul Islam and Chief Waste Management Officer Cdre S M Sharif-Ul Islam were all present, among others. Also read: No project to be allowed to continue unless public safety is ensured: Atiqul