Bangladesh 12th most corrupt country in the world, 2nd in S Asia

Bangladesh ranked as the 12th most corrupt country among 180 countries in the world and 2nd in South Asia as per the Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2022 of the Transparency International (TI).

Dropping one position from 2021, Bangladesh scored 25 out of 100 in 2022, said Dr Iftekharruzzaman, executive director of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), at a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Iran and Guinea scored the same points as Bangladesh – only one point ahead of Afghanistan – in the index this year.

If Bangladesh's decline in terms of corruption continues, the country could surpass Afghanistan to be the most corrupt in South Asia soon, he added.

As per the CPI report, Bangladesh ranked 147th in 2022 among 180 countries which was the same a year earlier. The country ranked at 146 in 2020.

In the latest report, India and the Maldives both scored 40, Sri Lanka 36, Nepal 34, Pakistan 27 and Afghanistan 24 among South Asian nations.

Denmark, Finland and New Zealand ranked first, second, and third respectively among the least corrupt countries.

The Transparency International prepares the CPI report annually on 180 countries and territories around the world by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The global average score is 43.

As per the latest report, countries with low scores are still unable to make significant progress in terms of restrictions and attacks on civic space, basic freedoms, security and stability, democracy and human rights.

The TIB executive director said Bangladesh has not done enough to improve in terms of corruption.

He said the country has gone through a stream of money laundering cases in recent times but almost no actions have been taken against those involved in these crimes.

Those who have political connections can get away easily with any corruption, which is very frustrating, he added.

"We were astonished that the people responsible for the corruption were not made accountable. But those who raised their voice against corruption, including government officials, were harassed and actions were taken against them," said Ifthekharuzzaman.

He further said, "The Bangladesh government has to create an environment where people's access to information, freedom of expression would be easier. Laws such as the Digital Security Act, Data Protection Act, and the OTT regulations act should be repealed."