[🇧🇩] Corruption Watch

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Corruption mars mechanism

GOVERNMENT land settlement is still much unsettled, lacking in transparency and mired in colonial practices. Bangladesh’s constitution has emphasised the establishment of a society free of hunger, bestowed with the right of equal access to resources. The Agricultural Khas Land Management and...

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Corruption mars mechanism
30 April, 2025, 22:50

More than three million acres of government land remain under illegal occupation while thousands of landless families wait for a rightful share. A proper distribution of the land could have brought about massive changes in the poverty rate, writes Nur-E-Sohitun Jahan

GOVERNMENT land settlement is still much unsettled, lacking in transparency and mired in colonial practices. Bangladesh’s constitution has emphasised the establishment of a society free of hunger, bestowed with the right of equal access to resources. The Agricultural Khas Land Management and Settlement Policy 1997 and Section 7 of the Land Reforms Act 2023 lay out that the government-owned agricultural land will be given to landless families or to agricultural labourers or share-croppers. The main object of this preferential list is to prevent the superiors from having extensive land holding and establish economic and social justice.

More than three million acres of government land remain under illegal occupation while thousands of landless families wait for a rightful share. A proper distribution of the land could have brought about massive changes in the poverty rate.

The Anti-Corruption Commission in January 2025 filed a case for misusing political status to illegally acquire land against the UK treasury minister Tulip Siddiq. After further investigation, it was found that during her tenure as prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, Tulip Siddiq’s aunt, allocated government plots of the Purbachal new town project to herself and the family.

The policy of 1997 encourages the distribution of newly formed government land in char areas for the benefits of poor char dwellers. But the current legislation remains reflective of the British-era practices that encouraged the control of zamindars and musclemen over the char land in the delta. But, the only difference now is that armies of musclemen have been replaced with illegal land-grabbers and the powerful elite. For expanding their economic interest, they work in collusion with local land administration. As a result, marginalised char dwellers are left in a vulnerable situation without land rights.

A June 2024 report says that some government-owned land was encroached on by local influential individuals in collusion with dishonest land officers at Dhulia Bazar in Patuakhali, which hindered the construction of shops and farms and market development works.

Land grab has become a common issue these days and no effective measures being taken to mitigate such land-related corruption. For instance, a July 2024 report found some locally influential people to occupy vast swathes of government-owned land, including hills, canals and rivers. A man is alleged to have erected houses on the land for rents by bribing the deputy commissioner.

The practice of bribery in land offices is widespread and a very common scenario where the powerful elite are dished out land-related services. In March 2024, a video showed a land officer in Kishoreganj taking bribe for clearing a land deed.

Why do the landless still wait while the corrupt reap the benefits of public land meant for them? These people deserve attention of policymakers with a view to bringing about reform and changes in policies.

Firstly, we must draw the attention of the government to the problem with new approaches. The first step that could be taken is to create a centralised digital government land database with tracking system and GIS mapping to monitor any unauthorised occupation. Secondly, it is important to empower the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Thirdly, a new and more appropriate law on government-owned land should be enacted to replace the problematic provisions. Fourthly, a beneficiary verification system should be introduced with a system linked to the national identity verification to ensure that applicants for government land own no other pieces of land.

Fifthly, a focus should be given on the livelihood of the landless. And finally, illegal occupation of government land can be criminalised with the proper implementation of the Land Crime Prevention and Remedy Act 2023 which would ensure a speedy disposal of forced acquisition and safeguard the rights of the landless.

Nur-E-Sohitun Jahan is a student of law at the Bangladesh University of Professionals.​

 

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Planning adviser orders probe into graft allegations in Matarbari road project

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Wednesday said he has instructed the secretary of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning to visit the Matarbari Road project site to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularities. Speaking to r

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Planning adviser orders probe into graft allegations in Matarbari road project
Published :
May 07, 2025 20:26
Updated :
May 07, 2025 20:26

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Wednesday said he has instructed the secretary of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning to visit the Matarbari Road project site to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularities.

Speaking to reporters after the regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room, Mahmud referred to recent media reports that highlighted unusually high costs associated with the construction of a road in the Matarbari area—reportedly the most expensive in the country’s history on a per-kilometre basis, UNB reports.

Defending the cost, he explained that much of the road passes through uneven terrain, requiring the construction of numerous bridges and culverts.

“More than half of the road comprises bridges and culverts, which naturally increased the cost. So, the expense is not as excessive as it might seem,” he said.

He added that a high-powered committee will soon be formed to oversee the project and ensure proper monitoring.

The planning adviser also mentioned that an audit of the Matarbari power plant project, which cost Tk 6,571 crore, remains incomplete as the former project director is absconding.

“We are unable to get necessary answers because the project director is on the run,” he said.

Mahmud further noted that although the Matarbari power plant has a generation capacity of 1,200 MW, the Power Development Board (PDB) is currently drawing only 185 MW from it.

“It’s unfortunate that the plant’s full capacity is not being utilised,” he said, adding that coal needs to be imported twice a week to keep the plant operational. He also revealed that low-quality coal imported from Indonesia has been sent to Bangkok for testing, but those responsible have yet to share the results.

In a related development, the government has already formed a committee to investigate possible irregularities in the construction of embankments in the Sunamganj and Satkhira regions.

The 27.2-kilometre Matarbari link road, designed to connect the under-construction deep seaport in Maheshkhali with Cox’s Bazar, has drawn national attention due to its staggering cost of Tk 12,942 crore. That translates to approximately Tk 4.76 billion per kilometre, making it the most expensive road project in Bangladesh’s history.

Primarily funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project features a two-lane road for most of its length, a four-lane segment near the port, 14 bridges, 45 culverts, and a railway overpass.

Originally slated for completion by 2026, the project deadline has now been pushed to 2029 due to delays and escalating costs.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the high cost is largely due to challenging soil conditions in the coastal region and the stringent construction standards imposed by Japanese consultants and contractors.

While the Matarbari link road is considered a crucial infrastructure project intended to boost cargo handling and ease pressure on the Chattogram Port, its rising cost and delays have sparked public concern over governance and financial oversight in major national development efforts.​

 

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BRT bus purchase faces legal Delays amid ACC probe

The procurement of buses for the Gazipur-Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor remains stalled due to legal complications arising from the cancellation of the first tender, despite the completion of a new contractor selection process in August last year. Sources within the Dhaka BRT Company Lim

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BRT bus purchase faces legal Delays amid ACC probe
Munima Sultana
Published :
May 08, 2025 19:27
Updated :
May 08, 2025 19:27

The procurement of buses for the Gazipur-Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor remains stalled due to legal complications arising from the cancellation of the first tender, despite the completion of a new contractor selection process in August last year.

Sources within the Dhaka BRT Company Limited (Dhaka BRT) confirmed that the board has yet to approve the evaluation committee’s report for purchasing 137 diesel-run buses for the 20-kilometre corridor. The delay is attributed to ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into allegations surrounding the cancellation of the first tender.

The ACC, suspecting either political motivations or corruption, took over the investigation following complaints from the lowest bidder of the initial tender. All relevant documents were submitted, and hearings with stakeholders were conducted, reportedly in response to media coverage and formal complaints.

Zhongtong Bus Holding Company Ltd has continued to protest the cancellation of the first tender, which was initially floated on January 15, 2023. The board scrapped the tender in early 2024, after an evaluation revealed that the three lowest bids were either from the same company or affiliated entities.

The initial procurement plan deviated from the project’s original intention of deploying articulated or electric buses on the corridor linking Gazipur with Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

A second tender was issued on April 24, 2024, following a court ruling that dismissed a writ petition filed by the Chinese company. The Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) had also previously rejected the company's complaint regarding the board’s decision to cancel the first tender. Although the contractor selection process under the new tender has been completed, the evaluation report's approval has been held up.

Officials noted that the delay also stems from the BRT project’s tenure officially ending in December 2024, with no formal extension granted yet.

“There is no major complication except that the ACC has yet to deliver its verdict. All documents have been submitted and hearings completed,” said a source close to the matter, requesting anonymity.

Another official added, “There is no point in approving the evaluation report if the project’s future is uncertain, especially when the original tenure has expired.”

Meanwhile, the Roads and Highways Department is working on the fourth revision of the BRT project proposal, seeking substantial increases in both cost and duration. Despite the fact that only 3 to 4 per cent of the construction work remains, the project—initiated 12 years ago—has been marred by poor planning and flawed design.

The interim government is reportedly keen to see the project through, despite its controversial background. Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, Dr. Sheikh Moinuddin, who joined last month, has taken a particular interest in overseeing the BRT’s completion.

Originally undertaken as part of the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project, the BRT's cost has ballooned to Tk 42.86 billion, more than double its initial budget of Tk 20.38 billion.​

 

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TIB demands end to provision allowing legalisation of black money

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the interim government to eliminate all direct and indirect provisions that allow for the legalisation of black or untaxed money through special ordinances. In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB condemned the repeated use of such facilities, ca

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

TIB demands end to provision allowing legalisation of black money
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 21, 2025 00:15
Updated :
May 21, 2025 00:15

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the interim government to eliminate all direct and indirect provisions that allow for the legalisation of black or untaxed money through special ordinances.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB condemned the repeated use of such facilities, calling them unethical, unconstitutional, and discriminatory.

“In Bangladesh, provisions to legalise black money have been introduced 21 times,” the anti-corruption watchdog said.

“This repetitive facility discourages honest taxpayers, rewards corruption, and enables its spread.”

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman noted that despite these repeated amnesty schemes, there has been no significant increase in government revenue.

“We expect the upcoming interim budget will abolish all such opportunities permanently, setting an example of integrity and reform,” he said. “We have conveyed this expectation to the finance advisor in writing and hope for a positive response.”

TIB welcomed the recent removal of the 15 percent flat tax provision that allowed undeclared income to be legalised, a change made following the fall of the Awami League government.

However, the organisation warned that several other “corruption-friendly, unconstitutional, and discriminatory” measures remain in place and should be scrapped without delay.​

 

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TIB slams black money legalisation provision in proposed budget

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised the government’s decision to continue allowing the legalisation of black money in the proposed FY2025–26 budget. In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft watchdog said the move contradicts anti-corruption goals and breaches con

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

TIB slams black money legalisation provision in proposed budget

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 02, 2025 21:15
Updated :
Jun 02, 2025 21:22

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised the government’s decision to continue allowing the legalisation of black money in the proposed FY2025–26 budget.

In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft watchdog said the move contradicts anti-corruption goals and breaches constitutional principles.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman denounced the decision as “unethical, discriminatory, and unconstitutional,” alleging the government had yielded to pressure from the real estate lobby.

He referred to Article 20(2) of the Constitution, which deems unearned income illegal, and argued that the measure unfairly benefits those with illicit wealth while undermining honest taxpayers.

TIB warned that the continued opportunity to regularise undisclosed income may encourage individuals to accumulate black money throughout the year and legalise it later.

The Berlin-based Transparency International’s Bangladesh chapter called for the immediate repeal of the measure and urged authorities to trace the origins of such funds and ensure accountability.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that they had expected the government to provide an update in the proposed budget on efforts to recover laundered money from abroad.

However, the finance adviser only mentioned the issue in a single sentence, seemingly to avoid it, he said.

While there is a provision to tax and penalise those who laundered money and later gave up Bangladeshi citizenship, it is still unclear how this would be implemented, the TIB executive director.

He also noted the absence of proposals to separate policy from revenue management and ensure transparency and accountability in the sector, calling it disappointing.​

 

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Education adviser gets Tk 10m bribe offer for a top-level appointment

“I’m not trying to beat my own drum,” said the adviser. “But I do hope my colleagues will uphold the same ethical stance.”

en.prothomalo.com

Education adviser gets Tk 10m bribe offer for a top-level appointment

Special Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 04 Jun 2025, 20: 56

Education adviser CR Abrar speaks at a press conference at the education ministry on 4 June, 2025. Moshtak Ahmed

Education adviser Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (CR Abrar) has disclosed that he was offered a bribe of Tk 10 million in exchange for appointing someone to a high-level position. He said he rejected the offer, emphasising the need for ethical standards among his colleagues.

“I’m not trying to beat my own drum,” said the adviser. “But I do hope my colleagues will uphold the same ethical stance.”

He made the statement while responding to questions from reporters during a press briefing at the secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.

While disclosing the case, Professor CR Abrar said, “Let me give an example. In a certain case, I was lobbied to appoint someone to a major post. A well-known public intellectual also approached me on his behalf. But since the appointment would not have been justified, as the candidate didn’t have a good track record, we rejected the proposal.”

He continued, “Later, he tried to reach me through other channels, offering a large sum of money. I am mentioning the figure – they offered Tk 10 million. The offer was conveyed through someone I know, who works in an institution. That person replied, ‘In this case, I can’t even bring this up to him, and even if I could, he would never agree to it.’”

Referring to the government's stance on corruption, the adviser said they are committed to a policy of zero tolerance, and there is no intention to accommodate corruption in any form.​

 

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Defaulted loan rises to Tk 4.2 trillion

Loans distributed through irregularities during the past government have become defaulted. At the same time, the loans of many businesspersons close to the ousted Awami League also have become irregular. As a result, the amount of defaulted loans in the banking sector rose to Tk 420,334 crore...

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Defaulted loan rises to Tk 4.2 trillion
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 15 Jun 2025, 23: 16

Loans distributed through irregularities during the past government have become defaulted. At the same time, the loans of many businesspersons close to the ousted Awami League also have become irregular.

As a result, the amount of defaulted loans in the banking sector rose to Tk 420,334 crore (over 4.2 trillion) at the end of March. The amount stands at 24.13 per cent of all distributed loans, the Bangladesh Bank revealed Sunday.

The amount of defaulted in December last year was Tk 345,765 crore (over 3.45 trillion). That means, the amount of bad loans increased by nearly Tk 75,000 crore (750 billion) in the span of three months.

Bangladesh Bank officials have said that funds were withdrawn from banks under various names, both real and fictitious, during the tenure of the Awami League government—ousted by a student and public uprising. These funds are now beginning to be classified as defaulted loans.

At the same time, with the classification criteria for defaulted loans being raised to meet international standards, the volume of defaulted loans is increasing, they also pointed out.

The officials also said many of the loans that have been renewed are not being recovered. Due to irregularities, the central bank is itself categorising many loans as defaulted, which is further contributing to the rise in bad loans. The amount of such loans may continue to rise in the coming days.

It has been learned that at the end of March, the total amount of loans in the banking sector had risen to Tk 1,741,992 crore (nearly 17.42 trillion), which was Tk 1,711,402 crore (17.11 trillion) at the end of December.

According to data from Bangladesh Bank, as of March, the proportion of defaulted loans in state-owned banks had increased to 45.79 per cent, up from 42.83 per cent in December. In private commercial banks, 20.16 per cent of loans had become defaulted, compared to 15.6 per cent in December.

When the Awami League formed the government in 2009, the total amount of the defaulted loan was Tk 22,481 crore (224.81 billion). Since then, the volume of bad loans has steadily increased.

Economists have long alleged that people close to and influential within the then-government took out large sums of money from banks through various irregular practices, much of which has been laundered abroad.

Since the fall of the government on 5 August last year, the true scale of the defaulted loan crisis has started to emerge. During the previous government’s rule, powerful people were granted a significant amount of loans under favourable conditions. Successive policies were also implemented to artificially reduce the apparent volume of defaulted loans on paper.

Following the change in government, the central bank has abandoned these policies. It has also announced a plan to merge five Shariah-based banks plagued by high default rates.

Sources said that once the banks that were previously controlled by the controversial business conglomerate S Alam Group—closely associated with the ousted Awami League—were freed from its influence, the real picture of their loan books began to surface.

Among them, Islami Bank has seen the highest increase in defaulted loans. Similarly, default rates have surged in First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank.

At the same time, several major business groups—including Beximco (owned by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman), Bashundhara Group, and S Alam Group—have become loan defaulters, further inflating the defaulted loan amount.​