Corruption remains a critical challenge in Bangladesh, undermining governance, hindering economic development, and eroding public trust.
It pervades various sectors, from public administration to business and politics, perpetuating inequality and stalling progress.
In 2004, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was established as a beacon of hope to address this endemic issue.
However, despite its ambitious mandate, the ACC has struggled to fulfil public expectations due to political interference, structural inefficiencies, and legal limitations.
As Bangladesh observes International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, it is an opportunity to assess the ACC’s performance, identify systemic barriers, and recognize the untapped potential of youth in combating corruption.
The ACC: Aspirations and Challenges
The ACC was formed under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2004, with the aim of creating an independent body capable of investigating and prosecuting corruption.
It replaced the ineffective Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) and was envisioned as a guardian of integrity, immune to political influence. However, its independence has been consistently undermined by successive governments.
Allegations of bias and selective justice have marred its credibility, with critics accusing the ACC of targeting opposition figures while overlooking corruption within ruling party circles.
During the caretaker government period (2007–2008), the ACC demonstrated its potential by pursuing high-profile cases against individuals across the political spectrum.
This brief assertiveness underscored the institution's capacity when insulated from political pressures.
However, these gains were not sustained under subsequent elected regimes, and the ACC reverted to perceived partisanship.
Beyond political interference, the ACC faces significant operational challenges. It relies heavily on bureaucrats deputed from other government cadres, particularly the administrative cadre, who often have conflicting loyalties.
This system has created inefficiencies and conflicts of interest, hampering impartial investigations.
The ACC also struggles with a lack of specialised expertise.
Investigations into complex financial crimes, including money laundering and corporate fraud, require skilled professionals in areas like forensic accounting and digital forensics.
The absence of such expertise has led to low conviction rates, with only about 20–25% of cases ending in successful prosecution over the past two decades.
Adding to these challenges are legal constraints. The Public Service Act of 2018, for example, requires government approval before prosecuting public servants, effectively shielding them from accountability.
Similarly, a 2015 amendment transferred much of the ACC’s jurisdiction over financial crimes, such as money laundering, to other agencies like the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
This fragmentation of authority has weakened anti-corruption efforts, particularly in addressing cross-border financial irregularities.
Bangladesh’s position on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reflects these systemic issues.
Ranked 147th out of 180 countries in 2023, the country struggles to shed its image of entrenched corruption.
According to a Transparency International Bangladesh survey, 76% of respondents believe the ACC fails to act impartially, while 68% see it as influenced by political considerations.
Youth as a Catalyst for Change
Despite these challenges, the youth of Bangladesh offer a promising path forward.
This year’s Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, highlights the pivotal role young people can play in addressing this pervasive issue.
Youth make up a significant portion of Bangladesh’s population, with nearly 34% under the age of 24.
Their energy, technological fluency, and ability to mobilise communities position them as key agents of change.
Young people can contribute to anti-corruption efforts in various ways.
Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can foster a culture of integrity from an early age. Social media platforms provide powerful tools for exposing corrupt practices and demanding accountability.
In recent years, digital advocacy has been instrumental in amplifying anti-corruption movements globally, and Bangladesh’s youth can harness these platforms to similar effect.
Moreover, technological innovation driven by young minds can disrupt corruption.
For example, mobile applications for reporting corruption, blockchain technologies for ensuring transparency, and data analytics for monitoring public spending are transformative tools that can be developed and implemented by tech-savvy youth.
Community-level initiatives, such as participatory budgeting and social audits, also enable young people to directly monitor government projects and hold officials accountable.
Reforming the ACC and the Path Forward
The interim government formed in August 2024 has reignited discussions on ACC reform.
They will suggest way out for ACC’s revitalization. But it is important to phasing out the deputation system, recruiting specialised professionals, and reinstating the ACC’s jurisdiction over financial crimes like money laundering.
These steps are essential for revitalising the institution and restoring public trust.
In addition to structural reforms, addressing legal barriers like the Public Service Act of 2018 is critical.
Ensuring equal accountability for public officials is a cornerstone of a credible anti-corruption framework.
Furthermore, investments in training programmes for forensic accounting, financial analysis, and digital forensics will enhance the ACC’s operational capacity, enabling it to tackle complex cases effectively.
However, reforming the ACC alone will not suffice.
A broader societal shift, driven by the energy and creativity of Bangladesh’s youth, is necessary to sustain anti-corruption efforts.
The integration of youth into grassroots movements, combined with institutional reforms, can create a culture of accountability and transparency.
The ACC’s journey over the past two decades highlights the difficulties of institutionalizing anti-corruption efforts in a politically charged environment.
While its performance has fallen short of expectations, the current reform agenda presents a unique opportunity to address its limitations and transform it into an effective and independent body.
Equally critical is the engagement of Bangladesh’s youth, whose dynamism and innovative approaches can lead the fight against corruption.
By uniting institutions, civil society, and young citizens in a collective effort, Bangladesh can move toward a more transparent, equitable, and accountable future.
Corruption, deeply rooted as it may be, is not insurmountable, provided the country’s institutions and youth work together to dismantle it.
