Corruption in Bangladesh
In our recent political history, corruption has become a buzzword due to its all-pervasive existence in all our public sectors and even in private organizations. At present, corruption has become one of the most alarming problems in Bangladesh. Corruption has always been a constant phenomenon in our country. But recent drives against corruption and a huge public conscience and consciousness against it have given it new momentum. Bangladesh has been branded as the most corrupt country in the world for consecutive four years by Transparency International. So, both local and international pressure and call have created an urgency to fight and curb corruption in Bangladesh.
Corruption – it’s meaning and scope: Corruption can be defined in a simple term as unethical and unfair practice or means to draw any profit or benefit that goes against the law and harms others’ interest. The most usual form of corruption is bribery. However, there are other forms of corruption too, such as in the equal distribution of government funds, sharing of reliefs by the originals, nepotism in public services, etc. In broad terms, corruption includes abuse of power distortion of standard practices and principles, bribery, favoritism, extortion, fraudulence, deception, and illegal practices whereby a person or group draws personal benefit damaging others or country’s interest. In Bangladesh, corruption has engulfed the administrative, commercial, political, and also social sectors. It has enlarged its paw in the business sector too. In our country corruption has been so rampant that it has become a matter of fact a common affair. No govt. service or work could be done or is available without corruption.
Causes of corruption: Corruption is a social evil. Moral degradation and ethical decadence is the main cause of corruption. People’s unscrupulous activities, avarice, and greed to amass wealth, materialistic attitude of life-all these breed corruption. There are a number of causes behind corruption, Unemployment lack of good government, lack of morality, the inadequacy of salary, political instabilities, etc. have led to the expansion of corruption. Besides these personal reasons, there are some social causes of corruption. The capitalistic economic system, unequal distribution of wealth, the excessive gap between wealth and poverty, economic insolvency, high living cost, unemployment, etc. are the social and economic causes of corruption. Adding to this poor administrative system of govt. and lack of law and order in society also contribute to spreading corruption.
Effects of corruption: Corruption lames a nation. The country gets an undignified introduction worldwide. Corruption has entered each and every core of our administration, public governance, office, and organization. In a poor and underdeveloped country like Bangladesh, the effects of corruption in the economy and in politics are very devastating. It minimizes the chances of foreign investments. If govt. officials are corrupt, people do not get good service from them. If politicians and policy-makers are corrupt, it affects and retards the country’s overall development. By doing corruption, a section of powerful people amass huge wealth and lead a very carefree and luxurious life. This creates a social gap and discrimination. Administrative and institutional corruption creates depression and grievances among people. Corruption in the education system lowers down the standard of education. All these personal and corporate or institutional corruption seriously harms the image of the country, causes social and political instability, and increases economic and social crimes and also discrimination and disorder in the society. These, in the long run, hamper the social and economic development of the country. At present, it has turned into an impediment to the development of our country. Moreover, economic disparities amongst people have become more acute. Study shows that corruption is responsible for about 2% of GDP decrease and about 40% of our development budget is either misused or wasted due to corruption.
Remedies: People’s ethical sense should be strengthening. For this a good education system that stresses creating morality is necessary. Consciousness about corruption and fighting corruption is also necessary. Corrupt officials and politicians should be severely punished. We should have good and effective laws for preventing corruption. A just and equal social and judicial system is necessary to prevent corruption. Accountable, transparent, and efficient administration is also necessary. We have to remove social injustice, social gap, and a wide gap between wealth and poverty. Besides, the Anti Corruption Commission should be made effective and independent so that they can fight corruption and prevent it. Media can also take a strong stand against corruption. In addition, good governance, an increase in job facilities, and strict enforcement of legal fuels can ensure the prevention of corruption. People’s patriotism and ethical sense should be developed. Corruption is a social malady. So it can be checked by social awareness and efforts. Finally, we must create awareness of amongest people against corruption.
Conclusion: Corruption is a matter of national disgrace. It is corruption which has hampered the development of our country. It is also a social vice. Due to corruption, only a handful of people gain, but the majority of the people suffer. It has now become a serious national problem. Therefore, all of us must raise a campaign to combat bribery and corruption for a better and more corruption-free Bangladesh. We must remove or curb corruption from society in order to build a society based on equality, justice, and fraternity.
