More families faced bribery, corruption under interim govt than in 2023: TIB
The average amount of bribes paid per household declined by 9.8%, from Tk5,680 in 2023 to Tk5,124 in 2025
Highlights:
- 81.6% households experienced corruption in 2025 vs 70.9% in 2023
- 63.6% households paid bribe in 2025 vs 50.8% in 2023
- Corruption burden equals 1.58% FY25 budget
- Families living below poverty line spend 34% income on police bribes
- Passport, BRTA remain most corrupted
More Bangladeshi households faced corruption and were forced to pay bribes to access public services during the tenure of the interim government than in 2023 under the Awami League government, according to a survey by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
The survey found that 81.6% of households experienced corruption while accessing services in 2025, up from 70.9% in 2023. The proportion of households forced to pay bribes rose to 63.6% from 50.8%.
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As in 2023, passport and BRTA-related services remained the most corruption-prone sectors.
However, the average amount of bribes paid per household declined by 9.8%, from Tk5,680 in 2023 to Tk5,124 in 2025. The highest average bribes were paid for judicial services, banking and land-related services.
TIB estimated that bribe transactions across service sectors totalled Tk12,633 crore during the one year from November 2024 to October 2025, 15.9% higher than in 2023 and equivalent to 1.58% of the revised national budget for FY2024-25.
Presenting findings of its "Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2025" at its Dhanmondi office today (25 June), TIB said expectations of a discrimination-free and corruption-free "New Bangladesh" following the fall of the Awami League government had yet to materialise.
"Contrary to public expectations of a discrimination-free, well-governed and corruption-free New Bangladesh, overall corruption in the surveyed service sectors has increased since 2023," the report said.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said many respondents reported being unable to obtain services without paying bribes.
"Bribery has been normalised. Compared with 2023, both the scale and depth of corruption have increased in 2025," he said.
Poor bear heavier burden
TIB said corruption and bribery remained widespread in law enforcement and judicial services, creating major barriers to access to justice.
Households living below the poverty line spent an average of 34% of their monthly income on bribes to access law enforcement services. In some cases, the cost was as high as four-and-a-half times a family's monthly income.
Corruption also remained high in agriculture, local government institutions, land administration, education, healthcare, passport and BRTA services, affecting citizens' access to essential services.
On average, households spent 1.7% of their annual income on bribes. For families below the poverty line, the figure rose to 5.1% in the five most corruption-prone sectors, compared with 3.2% for higher-income households.
According to TIB, 13 households reported paying bribes exceeding their annual income, with some paying five to six times their yearly earnings.
ACC faces trust deficit
Iftekharuzzaman argued that service-sector corruption was inherently discriminatory, benefiting those with influence while marginalising others.
"The burden of corruption is significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Women face higher levels of corruption in several service sectors, while indigenous and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected," he said.
Questioning the effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Iftekharuzzaman said the survey indicated a lack of public confidence in the institution.
While about 26% of respondents were aware of or familiar with the ACC, only 0.9% had lodged complaints with the commission.
"This suggests people still do not trust the ACC. The government and the commission should view this as an important signal. The institution must become more effective, strengthen its capacity and earn public confidence," he said.
He added that appointments to the ACC should prioritise individuals with integrity, experience, competence and a firm commitment to combating corruption while applying the law equally to all.
