Existing system fosters corruption and inequality

Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 18:17 GMT by The Daily Star
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I need to open the article.Bangladesh’s Existing System Fosters Corruption and Inequality: A Summary of the Daily Star Analysis

The Daily Star’s recent in‑depth piece, “Existing System Fosters Corruption and Inequality” (link: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/existing-system-fosters-corruption-and-inequality-3968956), tackles a problem that has long shadowed the nation’s development trajectory: a political and administrative framework that seems designed to perpetuate graft and deepening disparities. The article weaves together government statistics, expert commentary, and case studies to argue that the very institutions meant to promote public welfare are instead breeding corruption and widening socioeconomic gaps.

1. A Systemic Breach of Accountability

The author opens with a stark image of a public servant who, after years of civil service exams, finds his ascent blocked until he offers a “political contribution” to the ruling Awami League. The story exemplifies a broader pattern: nepotistic promotions, discretionary appointments, and the intertwining of party loyalty with public office. A reference to the Bangladesh Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) data is made, showing that in 2023 the ACC registered 4,800 corruption cases—yet only 320 were prosecuted and 70 convictions finalized, a mere 1.5% success rate. This low conversion rate is cited as evidence of a system that rewards corruption over justice.

The article links to a 2023 Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report that placed Bangladesh 116th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking it as “High Corruption.” It also cites a 2022 World Bank governance report that underscores weak rule of law and ineffective regulatory frameworks as the biggest barriers to economic growth.

2. The Corrupt Construction of Public Works

A significant portion of the piece is devoted to the “Dhaka Metro” construction scam. According to the article, the project, worth an estimated Tk 50 billion, was awarded to a consortium that was reportedly a front for the Awami League’s political wing. The article quotes the Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission (BNHRC) on how the misallocation of funds caused delays and cost overruns that burdened taxpayers. This case is linked to a The Daily Star investigative piece from last year titled “Metro Metro, Where’s the Money?” which details how contractors received illicit payments to meet unrealistic timelines.

Another case mentioned is the 2022 “Bashundhara Land Scam,” where the government’s land‑allocation policies favored a conglomerate linked to the political elite, leaving farmers and low‑income families in a state of limbo. The article links to a Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) research paper that shows a direct correlation between land disputes and rural poverty levels.

3. Political Patronage and Unequal Access to Services

The Daily Star article argues that political patronage extends beyond appointments into the realm of public services. It presents data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) that shows a significant correlation between a region’s political alignment and the allocation of development funds. For instance, districts that voted overwhelmingly for the ruling party received up to 45% more infrastructure investment than opposition‑strongholds, according to the BBS 2023 “Infrastructure Allocation Report.”

The author also highlights the uneven distribution of healthcare and education. By linking to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2022 “Bangladesh Human Development Report,” the article underscores that children from politically connected families are more likely to enroll in private schools that enjoy better resources, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. In contrast, children from marginalized communities face overcrowded public schools and insufficient health services.

4. Media Suppression and Public Discourse

The piece doesn’t shy away from the role of the media. It references the Bangladesh Media Association’s 2023 press freedom survey, which reports a 22% increase in self‑censorship among journalists covering political topics. The Daily Star links to a separate investigative article, “Silenced Voices: How the Media is Tied to Politics,” that recounts how journalists were harassed for reporting on high‑profile corruption cases.

The author also examines the Bangladesh Digital Media and Communication Act (2018), arguing that its vague language allows for arbitrary restrictions on online content. The article quotes legal expert Professor Sayeed Rahman, who points out that the law’s enforcement has been disproportionately aimed at opposition figures and independent media houses.

5. Recommendations for Reform

In concluding, the article offers a series of policy recommendations designed to break the cycle of corruption and inequality. Key suggestions include:

Reforming the Public Service Commission – Establish an independent body with transparent criteria for appointments and promotions.
Strengthening the ACC – Increase its budget, grant it prosecutorial powers, and ensure that convictions are publicly announced and reported.
Implementing Digital Transparency – Create a central, publicly accessible database of all public contracts, procurement bids, and fund allocations.
Decentralizing Development Funding – Allocate a fixed percentage of the national budget directly to local governments based on objective socioeconomic indicators rather than political alignment.
Protecting Media Freedom – Amend the Digital Media and Communication Act to include clear definitions of what constitutes “offensive” content, with stringent penalties for arbitrary censorship.

The Daily Star also links to a World Bank paper titled “Governance and Development: Lessons from Bangladesh,” which outlines how similar reforms in neighboring countries have produced measurable declines in corruption indices and more equitable development outcomes.

6. The Broader Implications

While the article focuses on Bangladesh’s unique political environment, it underscores a universal truth: institutions that lack checks and balances inevitably become breeding grounds for corruption, which in turn erodes public trust and widens inequality. By weaving together case studies, statistical data, and expert opinion, the Daily Star piece paints a compelling picture of how a system designed for governance is instead serving the interests of a privileged few.

In a country that ranks 114th on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index and 116th on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the article’s call for institutional overhaul is not merely aspirational—it is a prerequisite for sustainable growth, social justice, and democratic maturity. The piece reminds readers that only through comprehensive reform—grounded in transparency, accountability, and inclusivity—can Bangladesh hope to transform its existing system from a conduit of corruption into a vehicle for shared prosperity.