Most of the Bangladeshi officers, businesspersons, NGO representatives, political leaders, and workers, as well as every sector-responsible person and every sector policymaker, are highly corrupt. How can we change this circumstance and corruption environment to make a peaceful and clean image country in this world? What can government do to reduce all kind of internal and external corruption? What can revolutionaries, students, and the public do to reduce all kinds of Bangladeshi corruption? Give some reference and example with details information.

Corruption is a significant challenge for Bangladesh, impacting governance, economic development, and the country’s image on the international stage. Addressing it requires comprehensive reform across institutions, sectors, and society. Both the government and civil society, including students, revolutionists, and the public, have vital roles in combating corruption.

 

Key Strategies for Government to Reduce Corruption

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions

Empowering the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC): The Anti-Corruption Commission in Bangladesh must be fully independent, transparent, and empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases across all levels of society, including high-ranking officials, business leaders, and politicians. This can be done by protecting the commission from political interference, ensuring adequate funding, and providing it with the authority to act on high-profile cases without fear of retribution.

Example:

The ACC in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have been highly effective due to their independence and strong legal frameworks, which allowed them to prosecute even senior officials, thereby reducing corruption significantly.

Reference:

According to Transparency International reports, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is seen as a model for anti-corruption institutions, which could be an example for Bangladesh.

 

Enforcing Transparent Governance Policies

E-Governance and Digital Platforms: By digitizing government services and using e-governance systems, Bangladesh can reduce the opportunities for corruption. When processes such as tendering, land registration, and service delivery are made online, there is less room for bribery and favouritism. Digital platforms can track transactions, ensure transparency, and limit human interaction in decision-making processes, thereby reducing corruption.

Example:

India’s Digital India initiative has automated many government services and processes, significantly reducing corruption in areas like tax collection and public services. Bangladesh can implement similar e-governance strategies across all government sectors.

Reference:

World Bank reports show that digitizing government services can reduce corruption by up to 25% by eliminating direct human involvement in processes like tax collection and land registration.

 

Judicial and Legal Reforms

Strengthening the Judiciary: The legal system must be reformed to ensure swift and impartial handling of corruption cases. Corruption in the judiciary itself is a barrier, and a transparent, accountable legal framework with strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws is crucial for real change. Fast-tracking high-profile corruption cases and ensuring that corrupt individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable, will deter future corruption.

Example:

Countries like South Korea and Malaysia have made significant strides in anti-corruption by prosecuting high-ranking officials and business leaders. In South Korea, two former presidents were convicted for corruption, sending a strong message about the rule of law.

Reference:

Transparency International ranks South Korea and Malaysia higher on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) due to strong legal frameworks and active anti-corruption campaigns.

 

Public Sector Salary Reforms

Paying Fair Wages to Public Officials: One reason for corruption in public sectors is inadequate wages. The government should consider salary reforms that ensure public officials are fairly compensated. This reduces the incentive for bribes and allows civil servants to focus on their duties without resorting to illegal activities for additional income.

Example:

Singapore has one of the cleanest governments globally, largely due to its policy of paying competitive salaries to public servants, reducing the motivation for corruption.

Reference:

The Economist cited Singapore’s public sector salary reforms as one of the key measures in making it a low-corruption country.

 

Whistleblower Protection

Establishing Strong Whistleblower Laws: Encouraging citizens and public officials to report corruption without fear of retaliation is critical. Whistleblower protection laws that offer anonymity and security for those who expose corruption can be a powerful tool in fighting corruption.

Example:

The U.S. Whistleblower Protection Act provides legal protection to individuals who report corruption, which has been effective in exposing high-profile cases in both public and private sectors.

Reference:

OECD studies show that countries with strong whistleblower protections see higher rates of corruption reporting, making it easier to expose corrupt practices.

 

Role of Revolutionists, Students, and the Public in Fighting Corruption

Student and Youth Activism

Raising Awareness and Advocacy: Students and revolutionists have historically played a key role in societal changes. Through activism, awareness campaigns, and protests, they can pressure the government to implement reforms. Youth movements like “#Anticorruption Movement” can rally public opinion against corrupt leaders and institutions. The use of social media for advocacy can expose corruption and put pressure on authorities to act.

Example:

In Brazil, student-led protests against corruption and the mismanagement of public funds eventually led to the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff in 2016.

Reference:

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented the role of student activism in Brazil’s anti-corruption movement, highlighting its impact on governmental accountability.

 

Civil Society and NGO Involvement

NGOs Fighting Corruption: Civil society organizations, including NGOs, can play a critical role in monitoring government activities, conducting investigations, and raising public awareness. They can push for legal reforms, track cases of corruption, and expose wrongdoing in both public and private sectors. NGOs like Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) work to investigate and expose corruption at multiple levels, providing data, reports, and advocacy that drive public pressure.

Example:

Transparency International chapters around the world have been instrumental in uncovering corrupt practices and working with governments to promote transparency and accountability.

Reference:

According to TIB reports, they have published several high-profile studies that exposed corruption in Bangladesh’s government, health, and education sectors.

 

Promoting Ethical Education

Incorporating Ethics into Education: Schools and universities should include courses on ethics, civic responsibility, and anti-corruption as part of the curriculum. Educating the younger generation about the impact of corruption and the importance of integrity can help shape a future society that is less tolerant of corrupt practices.

Example:

Countries like Finland and Denmark incorporate ethics and civic responsibility into their education systems, contributing to their low levels of corruption and high levels of public trust in institutions.

Reference:

Transparency International ranks Finland and Denmark as the least corrupt countries in the world, thanks in part to their educational emphasis on ethics and integrity.

 

Public Mobilizasion and Accountability Movements

Demanding Accountability from Leaders: The public can organise movements that demand transparency from political and business leaders. Peaceful protests, citizen journalism, and grassroots campaigns can expose corrupt practices and hold leaders accountable. Public mobilizasion through petitions, online campaigns, and peaceful demonstrations is essential to drive anti-corruption agendas.

Example:

India’s Anna Hazare Movement: A mass anti-corruption movement in India led by social activist Anna Hazare led to the passing of the Lokpal Bill, a powerful anti-corruption law that created an independent body to investigate corruption in public offices.

Reference:

Reports from The Hindu and BBC highlighted how the Anna Hazare-led movement gathered millions of people, influencing the Indian government to pass new anti-corruption laws.

 

Technology and Media’s Role in Combating Corruption

Encouraging Investigative Journalism

1. • Supporting Free Press: The media can play a critical role in exposing corruption. Encouraging investigative journalism that uncovers financial misconduct, misappropriation of funds, and abuses of power can lead to public outcry and legal action.

Example:

Panama Papers: The investigative reporting on the Panama Papers exposed corruption and offshore holdings by powerful politicians and business leaders worldwide, leading to numerous legal investigations.

Reference:

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) reports showed that their work on the Panama Papers led to the resignation of heads of state and major legal reforms.

 

Transparency and Data Monitoring Platforms

Using Data for Accountability: The government and civil society can use technology to monitor public spending and track government projects. Open data platforms allow citizens to see how their tax money is being spent, which increases accountability.

Example:

Kenya’s Open Data Initiative allows citizens to track government spending, public projects, and budgets, helping to expose corruption in real-time.

Reference:

Reports from World Bank indicate that countries with open data platforms see higher levels of public participation and lower levels of corruption.

 

Conclusion

Reducing corruption in Bangladesh requires coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, and the public. The government must strengthen anti-corruption institutions, promote transparency, and enforce judicial reforms. Public participation through activism, education, and the media can also play a vital role. A unified approach that includes law enforcement, institutional reforms, and public engagement is key to changing Bangladesh’s corruption landscape and building a peaceful, clean, and transparent society.

References:

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB): Reports on corruption in Bangladesh.

OECD: Studies on the impact of whistleblower laws and anti-corruption measures.

World Bank: Reports on the effectiveness of e-governance.