Are we personally corrupt? A call for self-reflection

Bangladesh has emerged as a global model for successfully ousting a dictator. But before 2024, the country was notorious for another issue: rampant corruption. This persistent problem was embedded in everyone's life like a chronic skin condition. No matter how effortless it may seem with the new regime, it will take significant time and effort to eradicate, as decades of corruption cannot be easily wiped away.

There is no doubt that the impact of corruption, whether in government institutions or everyday life, is a widespread epidemic that breaks trust and undermines progress in our societies. 

In Bangladesh, corruption has long affected the political and social systems, which frustrated the people enough to take action. There is no better example than the 2024 student protests, which were about a single policy but then turned into a broader call for change in a system perceived as unfair and corrupt. 

This prompts reflection on whether the system itself is truly at fault. Often, the focus is on large-scale government corruption. However, now that the country is on a path of change, it's crucial to examine individual contributions. The system is composed of countless individuals like ourselves. 

Corruption does not only happen in high offices. It happens in the daily decisions and interactions of individuals. In this context, both systemic and personal reform become essential for lasting change.

Is corruption only systemic?

While the student protests focused on government corruption, they also raised a crucial question: How deeply is corruption ingrained in everyday life? In Bangladesh, like many countries, corruption extends beyond high-level officials. It permeates in small, everyday actions that people often overlook. 

Paying a bribe to expedite a service, using "speed money" to obtain certificates faster, offering gifts to government offices for personal gain, or using connections to secure a job over more deserving candidates—all contribute to the problem.

Even seemingly minor actions like skipping lines or turning a blind eye to rule-bending contribute to the problem. Nepotism is also a form of corruption, although it may be difficult to acknowledge. If this concept seems shocking, it's possible you have personally benefited from nepotism at some point, making it harder to recognise.

These actions may seem harmless, but they contribute to a culture where corruption thrives. When people participate in corrupt practices, even on a small scale, they reinforce a system that allows larger-scale corruption to flourish. Every individual decision to engage in dishonesty adds up, making it harder to hold those in power accountable.

The student protests shed a light on the government's role in perpetuating corruption, but they also indirectly highlighted how deeply this issue has rooted itself in wider society. It forced people to reflect on their own contributions to the problem, realising that change cannot only be demanded of leaders; it must also begin within each individual.

Do we have individual integrity?

If systemic corruption is to be addressed, it requires more than policy changes. It demands a shift in how individuals approach their own behaviour. Real reform begins when people decide to reject corrupt practices in their daily lives. While it may be easier to pay a bribe to get something done quickly or to use connections to bypass official procedures, these actions only perpetuate a broken system.

 And people sitting in seemingly powerful positions like to take advantage of broken systems, which will not benefit the country. Many people inspired by the student protests have begun to reflect on their own roles in contributing to corruption. 

It's easy to demand transparency and fairness from leaders, but it's harder to hold oneself to the same standard in everyday life. This is where true change must start. Individuals who choose to act with integrity and who refuse to participate in corruption even when it is the norm become the foundation of a more just society.

The power of personal accountability cannot be underestimated. When enough people commit to honest practices, it creates a ripple effect that can influence larger systems. Corruption thrives when it is normalised, but it weakens when people refuse to take part in it. The student protests were a reminder that while collective action is essential, personal integrity is equally important in creating lasting change.

Can a national change begin with a sense of personal responsibility?

The 2024 student protests in Bangladesh were a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action. By standing up against the quota system, students not only challenged a specific policy but also brought attention to the wider issue of corruption that affects many aspects of life in Bangladesh. Their movement showed that even deeply malfunctioning systems can be challenged when people unite for a common cause.

However, the protests also raised an important point about personal responsibility. While it is easy to criticise corrupt officials and institutions, the fight against corruption must also happen on an individual level.

Every person who chooses honesty and integrity in their daily actions contributes to weakening the broader culture of corruption. True reform will only come when people take responsibility for their own behaviour, rejecting corrupt practices in their everyday lives.

By doing so, they help create a society where fairness and transparency are valued, not just demanded. The student protests were a significant step toward systemic change, but lasting reform requires each individual to play their part. Only then can Bangladesh move toward a future free from corruption, where merit and fairness guide the country's progress. 

It's easy to blame and criticise others and ask for their resignation when things go wrong, but it's harder to remember that three fingers point back at ourselves when we point one at others. Accepting this can be challenging, but it can guide us on a journey of self-reflection.

Raisa Adiba is a development practitioner and social scientist with 6+ years of experience. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.