New Delhi, February 17: Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025 has placed Bangladesh at 24 points out of 100, ranking it as the 13th lowest in the world. This score reflects a decline from the previous year and is two points lower than the average score from 2012 to 2025. In South Asia, Bangladesh remains the second lowest country, only ahead of Afghanistan. Among 182 countries, Bangladesh is part of the 96 nations scoring below the global average of 42 and the 122 countries with scores below 50.
According to a report by Dhaka-based daily, The Daily Star, Bangladesh is categorized among countries with “extremely serious corruption problems.” The report indicates that the one-point increase from the previous year reflects the momentum of the July movement, which raised hopes for the downfall of the alleged ‘kleptocracy’ and the prospect of ‘de-kleptification.’ However, a clear failure to establish and advance solid foundations for change is evident.
Despite the movement, corruption persists at both national and local levels within political and administrative sectors. The interim administration has failed to set an example of government transparency, integrity, and accountability, preventing any improvement in the overall score.
The report notes that several countries, including Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Ukraine, and Angola, which previously scored similarly or lower than Bangladesh, have successfully improved their standings through extensive institutional reforms, digitization of public services, and effective prosecution of high-level corruption.
The global message of the CPI 2025 indicates that corruption is worsening worldwide, even in countries that claim to be democratic. However, the index also suggests that improvement is possible if political leadership demonstrates the will to implement transparent and accountable governance, take strict action against high-level corruption, and cease attacks on media and civil society.
According to the report, Bangladesh’s interim government has failed to establish a comprehensive and strategic reform agenda. There has been no clear implementation plan, risk analysis, or risk management strategy developed. The foundations for state reform laid through various ordinances have been weakened due to political and bureaucratic resistance and a ‘selective’ approach.
There has been little to no substantial reform within the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), leaving hopes for its independence, accountability, and effectiveness unfulfilled. The government has also been accused of failing to deliver on its promise of transparent and accountable governance.
The report highlights that widespread tendencies of extortion and pressure within the political-administrative system have fostered a mentality of “now it’s our turn,” indicating the deepening roots of the corrupt system.
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