Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has warned that Bangladesh has deeply fallen into the grip of corruption, which is destroying everything.
He stressed that unless the country frees itself from corruption, it will have no way forward.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Sunday evening, Dr. Yunus highlighted the urgent need for reform.
He pointed out that while Bangladesh has immense potential—youthful energy, natural resources, and geographical advantages—corruption remains the biggest obstacle. He shared an example of how corruption has infiltrated various sectors, mentioning that unqualified workers are obtaining fake medical certificates to secure jobs in the Middle East.
During a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, he was told by officials there that Bangladeshi documents are not trusted due to widespread forgery. He expressed deep shame over such incidents and emphasized that corruption is not limited to one sector but is pervasive across all institutions.
Dr. Yunus stated that Bangladesh ranks among the lowest in global corruption indexes, and the nation lacks integrity and discipline. Without eradicating corruption, no progress will be possible.
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the country’s future due to its strategic geographical position. He noted that Bangladesh’s long coastline and proximity to the Himalayas offer enormous economic opportunities. He urged for better regional cooperation, particularly with Nepal, Bhutan, and India, to maximize economic benefits.
The Chief Adviser emphasized the need to develop deep-sea ports along the country’s coastline, particularly from Kumira to Teknaf, to facilitate international trade. He argued that creating joint economic zones with Nepal and Bhutan could bring mutual benefits, as those landlocked nations rely on Bangladesh for maritime access.
Addressing the audience of government officials, Dr. Yunus urged the administration to take strong measures against corruption. He stressed that mere speeches would not suffice unless concrete actions were taken to establish Bangladesh as an honest and transparent nation.
He acknowledged that the interim government has a limited timeframe but assured that efforts are being made to combat corruption. He also emphasized the importance of expanding online services to reduce opportunities for bribery and malpractice. Many digital services have been introduced with international assistance, but their full potential has not been utilized.
Dr. Yunus pointed out that the international community wants Bangladesh to be free of corruption, as it directly impacts trade and investment. Without transparency, foreign nations are hesitant to do business with Bangladesh.
He urged government officials to lead by example, stating that corruption starts at the top. If the government truly wants to serve the people, it must free itself from corruption. He called for the full implementation of existing online services to ensure transparency in governance.
Citing Singapore and various European nations as examples, he said that eradicating corruption is possible with collective effort. If other countries can achieve it, Bangladesh can too—provided there is determination and commitment.
