Bangladesh ranks 14th among world’s most corrupt nations: Lowest score in 13 years

Bangladesh has found itself in a concerning position, ranking 14th among the world’s most corrupt countries in 2024, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). 

With a score of just 23 out of 100, this is the lowest score Bangladesh has seen in 13 years, reflecting a growing issue with corruption.

The Berlin-based anti-corruption group, Transparency International, published the CPI report, which covers 180 countries globally. 

The report was discussed in a press conference held at Transparency International Bangladesh‍‍`s (TIB) office in Dhaka‍‍`s Dhanmondi on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. TIB Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, shared the results and insights with the media.

Bangladesh’s score of 23 on the CPI scale indicates that corruption has worsened. 

Out of all the countries analyzed, Bangladesh now ranks 14th from the bottom. 

Within South Asia, Bangladesh holds the unfortunate title of the second-most corrupt nation, and across the entire Asia-Pacific region, the country ranks fifth from the bottom.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman addressed the media, noting that the bureaucratic structure, which has taken shape over the past 53-54 years, cannot be swiftly dismantled by the interim government. 

"It will take time," he said, emphasizing that Bangladesh must break free from a culture where conflicts of interest dominate. 

He added, "Significant changes are needed in both the political and bureaucratic spheres to address this deep-rooted issue."

Looking at the trends, Transparency International’s data shows that between 2012 and 2022, Bangladesh’s CPI score ranged from 25 to 28 out of 100. 

However, the country‍‍`s score dropped to 24 in 2023 and fell further to 23 in 2024, marking a continued decline.

Over the years, Bangladesh has consistently found itself among the most corrupt countries. It has ranked 13th from the bottom four times, 14th three times, 12th twice, and once each at 15th, 16th, and 17th. 

In 2023, Bangladesh ranked 10th most corrupt globally.

This sharp decline in Bangladesh‍‍`s CPI score paints a bleak picture, suggesting that corruption is continuing to grow within the country, and it raises serious concerns about the steps being taken to address the issue.