Bribery costs have quintupled, claims BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul

The Report Desk

Published: July 26, 2025, 02:38 PM

Bribery costs have quintupled, claims BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that bribery in Bangladesh has become significantly more expensive over time, claiming, “Previously, one had to pay BDT 100,000 in bribes; now it’s BDT 500,000.”

He said a prominent businessman shared this information with him just a day earlier.

He made the remarks on Saturday at the launch event of a new book titled "Arthoniti, Shashon O Khomota: Japito Jiboner Alekhya" (Economy, Governance, and Power: A Chronicle of Lived Life), authored by economist and former caretaker government adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman.

The event was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka and presided over by the author. Former Bangladesh Bank governor and economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest.

Criticizing the current state of governance, Mirza Fakhrul said, “There is no good governance, no accountability. The police have seen no reform.”

 However, he acknowledged that such change cannot happen overnight and emphasized the need to return to democratic practices.

 “We can’t afford to remain idle by abandoning democratic processes. Imposing solutions won’t work—we need immediate democratic transition and reform through people’s representatives,” he added.

He also expressed concern over US trade tariffs under former President Donald Trump, saying such measures could create serious economic challenges for Bangladesh.

He underscored the role of political parties in safeguarding national interests and supporting economic progress.

Speaking at the same event, economic adviser Salehuddin Ahmed painted a bleak picture of institutional health in the country.

“There are virtually no effective institutions left. Laws are being violated, and procedures have been dismantled. The same people remain in power—without any change in mindset. Some argue for complete dismantling, but that’s not feasible. We’re now forced to push people by scolding or cajoling to get things done,” he said.

He further stated that ensuring good governance is extremely challenging in the current context. “There’s no ‘check and balance’ over the Prime Minister or Members of Parliament. Without institutional reform, no amount of adjustment will be effective. Political parties themselves also need internal reform,” he concluded.

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