Corruption in service sector rises sharply in Bangladesh survey finds

A recent national household survey has indicated a significant rise in corruption across Bangladesh’s service sector between 2023 and 2025, highlighting widening challenges in public service delivery and governance. The findings were published by Transparency International Bangladesh, which reported that 81.6 per cent of service users experienced some form of corruption in 2025, compared with 70.9 per cent recorded in 2023.

The survey results were presented at a press briefing held in Dhaka, where researchers outlined patterns of bribery, harassment and procedural irregularities across a range of public services. The data suggests that corruption has not only persisted but has become more deeply embedded in routine interactions between citizens and service providers.

Despite ongoing efforts to modernise administrative systems and expand digital service delivery, the report notes that improvements have not yet translated into consistent relief for ordinary citizens. Many respondents described situations in which informal payments were expected to access even basic services, effectively turning bribery into a perceived requirement rather than an exception.

The estimated scale of financial loss linked to corruption in the service sector was placed at approximately 12,363 crore taka, equivalent to around 1.58 per cent of the national budget. Researchers warned that the burden of these practices is not evenly distributed. Rural communities, low-income households, women and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected, as they often lack the influence or resources to bypass bureaucratic obstacles.

Urban residents also reported difficulties, though the intensity of impact appears higher in rural areas where oversight mechanisms are weaker and access to complaint channels is limited. The survey further highlights a growing sense of inequality in service delivery, where access is perceived to depend more on connections and informal payments than on official procedures.

Attention was also drawn to the limited public awareness of anti-corruption institutions. Only about 26 per cent of respondents reported familiarity with the Anti-Corruption Commission, while a mere 0.9 per cent had ever submitted a formal complaint. This gap reflects a broader lack of trust in reporting mechanisms and concerns about the effectiveness of follow-up action.

The report also points to operational constraints within oversight bodies, noting that institutional capacity and leadership stability remain key concerns affecting performance. These weaknesses, according to the findings, contribute to reduced deterrence and allow corrupt practices to continue with limited accountability.

Policy recommendations included strengthening institutional capacity, improving transparency in service delivery, and ensuring consistent leadership within oversight agencies. The report also called for restoring public confidence through more responsive complaint handling and stricter enforcement measures aimed at reducing opportunities for bribery and misconduct.

The findings present a stark reminder of the continuing challenges facing public administration reform, particularly in ensuring that digital progress and policy initiatives translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday experiences.