Political parties and police are the most corrupt sectors in Bangladesh followed by the judiciary, says a newly revealed report of the Transparency The report says about 60 percent people think that corruption has been increased in the country in the last two years (2011-12).The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) unveiled the findings of the ‘Global Corruption Barometer-2012’ at a press conference at the city’s Brac Centre Inn on Tuesday.
Although corruption has increased in the country, the rate of giving bribe in eight public service sectors came down a little bit in 2011-12 compared to previous year (2010). The eight sectors are police, judiciary, land service, registration and permit service, health, education and tax.
The Transparency International (TI) conducted the survey on the perception and experience of 114,270 in 107 countries, including Bangladesh. It collected data from 1,822 households in Bangladesh during February 13- March 15 this year.
TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzman and its deputy executive director Dr Sumaiya Khair spoke at the press conference.
About the widespread of corruption, 93 percent respondents said political parties and police are the most corrupt sectors in Bangladesh while 89 percent think that the judiciary is the second top corrupt sector.
As per experience-based data collected during the survey, the top corrupt sectors that take bribe are police (72 percent), judiciary (63 percent) and land service (44 percent).
The survey says about 58 percent people think that giving bribe is the only way to get government services. About 76 percent identified graft as an acute dilemma in the public service sector.
Around 40 percent respondents think that personal relation is very important in receiving public services while 90 percent say the government is frequently influenced by political parties or activists and business groups.
About 92 percent respondents say people can play an effective role in checking graft as many want to take part in anti-corruption activities.
According to the survey, 32 percent respondents say that the government initiatives in checking graft are ineffective.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr Iftekharuzzman said it is a matter of hope in Bangladesh that the people are willing to effectively take part in anti-corruption activates.
“But, they (people) are not getting active response from the government. We think that corruption could be prevented through ensuring active participation of people, government and politicians,” he said.
TIB director (research and policy) Rafiqul Islam and programme manager Shahnur Rahman described the graft scenario of Bangladesh on the Global Corruption Barometer-2012 at the press conference. – UNB
