3,000 corrupt people acquitted in 16 years: A detailed analysis

Corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to the socio-economic and political structure of a state. Although the movement against corruption has intensified in Bangladesh in recent times, there are allegations that about 3,000 corrupt people have been given impunity through the misuse of political power. This incident has raised widespread questions about ethics, administrative transparency and the rule of law. This article will provide a comprehensive review of how corruption has spread in Bangladesh in the last 16 years and how a culture of impunity has developed. The picture of corruption in Bangladesh in the last 16 years

Various corruption incidents and the role of the government and administration in Bangladesh from 2008 to 2024 are as follows:

(1) 2008-2014: Power agglomeration and administrative corruption

After the Awami League won a landslide victory in the 2008 elections, it promised to take a tough stance against corruption. However, in reality, it shows:

• Corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to the socio-economic and political structure of a state. Although the movement against corruption has intensified in Bangladesh in recent times, there are allegations that about 3,000 corrupt people have been given impunity through the misuse of political power. This incident has raised widespread questions about ethics, administrative transparency and the rule of law. This article will provide a comprehensive review of how corruption has spread in Bangladesh in the last 16 years and how a culture of impunity has developed.Weaknesses of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC): Failure to take effective action against influential people.
• Stock market scandal (2010): Thousands of investors were harmed, but the main perpetrators remained unpunished.
• Corruption in the railway and communication sectors: Major corruption allegations were made against the then Railway Minister and related officials.
• Allegations of corruption in the Padma Bridge project: The World Bank withdrew funding from the project in 2012.

(2) 2014-2019: Corruption in large projects and the banking sector

The level of corruption increased further after the Awami League unilaterally came to power after the 2014 elections. During this time:

• Corruption in the banking sector: Theft of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank (SWIFT hack) and loan scams in various commercial banks.
• Excess expenditure on government projects: Abnormal increase in project costs in the bridges, roads, and electricity sectors.
• Impunity for corrupt people with political asylum: Despite allegations of corruption against party leaders, no effective action has been taken.

(3) 2019-2024: Casino scams and money laundering

After 2019, new levels of corruption have been seen.

• Casino scams: The spread of illegal casino business through Jubo League and Chhatra League leaders.
• Corruption in the health sector: Corruption in the purchase of substandard medical equipment and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Increase in money laundering: Money laundering from Bangladesh to foreign countries is increasing at an alarming rate, which has come to the attention of international organizations.

Types and nature of corruption

There are many different types of corruption in Bangladesh. The most common types are:

• Administrative corruption: Government officials amass wealth by accepting bribes or illegally exerting influence.
• Political corruption: Political figures take illegal advantage through misuse of government funds, tender corruption, and nepotism.
• Private sector corruption: Businesses illegally obtain contracts through bribery or conduct business in violation of the law.
• Banking corruption: Money is embezzled through loan fraud, money laundering, and irregularities in the banking sector.
• Judicial corruption: In some cases, criminals get away with it easily due to the corrupt connections between lawyers, judges, and the police administration.
• Corruption in the education sector: Corruption is observed in various areas, including the admission process, changing exam results, and illegally providing jobs.

Analyzing how nearly 3,000 corrupt officials were acquitted, several strategies are observed:

1. Political asylum and protection: The ruling political party has sheltered people accused of corruption.
2. Legal loopholes: Corrupt individuals remain outside the reach of the law due to weak investigations, absence of witnesses, or unintentional delays.
3. Bribery and influence peddling: Cases have been settled through bribery at high levels of administration.
4. Shelter from corrupt bureaucracy: High-level government officials protect criminals and obstruct proper investigation of cases.
5. Moral degradation: The belief has developed among the people that the law is only for the weak, not for the powerful.
6. Economic loss: Corruption reduces investment and creates complications in obtaining foreign grants or loans.
7. Administrative inefficiency: Government institutions have been weakened as corrupt officials have been granted impunity.
8. Political uncertainty: Political instability is increasing as a result of frustration among the general public.
9. International image tarnished: Bangladesh is being negatively discussed in the global arena due to the prevalence of corruption.

Establish an impartial investigation system so that the law can be implemented free from political influence.

Establish an independent anti-corruption commission.

Confiscating the assets of the corrupt and spending them for the welfare of the people.

Ensuring the effective role of the media and civil society.

Increasing global anti-corruption agreements and cooperation.

There are many different types of corruption in Bangladesh. The most common types are:

Especially during the time of Iqbal Mahmud, there were the most cases of impunity, where there were also allegations of bribery.

Exoneration process

Analyzing how nearly 3,000 corrupt officials were acquitted, several strategies are observed:

ACC officials said that the organization's top brass has always followed the shadow of power and acted according to the government's wishes. As a result, anti-corruption activities have not been effective.

1. Moral degradation: There is a belief among the people that the law is only for the weak, not for the powerful. 2. Economic damage: Corruption reduces investment and complicates obtaining foreign grants or loans. 3. Administrative inefficiency: Government institutions have become weak as corrupt officials are given impunity. 4. Political uncertainty: Political instability is increasing due to the frustration among the general public. 5. Damaged international image: Bangladesh is being negatively discussed in the global arena due to the prevalence of corruption.

Various international organizations have expressed concern about the corruption situation in Bangladesh. Reports by Transparency International and the World Bank have highlighted the issue of administrative corruption and impunity in Bangladesh.

Now, after the new government came to power, the situation has changed. Investigations and cases have been started again against many people who had previously received clean chits. Investigations have been intensified especially against former MPs and ministers.

1. Transparency International report: Bangladesh is listed as a country steeped in corruption. 2. World Bank observation: Corruption is creating a major obstacle to development and investment in Bangladesh. 3. UN concern: Corruption is increasing social and economic inequality.

Nearly three thousand influential people who were accused of corruption

1. Establish an independent anti-corruption commission. 2. Confiscate the assets of the corrupt and spend them for the welfare of the people. 3. Ensure the effective role of the media and civil society. 4. Increase global anti-corruption agreements and cooperation. 5. Introduce an impartial investigation system so that the law can be implemented free from political influence. 6. Increase public awareness against corruption so that the people can take a stand against the corrupt.

To curb corruption and end impunity in Bangladesh, an effective legal framework, political will, and public participation must be ensured. If the prevention system against corruption is not strengthened, both the administration and the economy will suffer. Only if the right actions are taken with a neutral stance against corruption, the future of Bangladesh will develop as a corruption-free state.