In 2025, Bangladesh continues to grapple with endemic corruption, despite the ruling Awami League’s (AL) promises of a “zero-tolerance” policy. From mega-project kickbacks to banking sector plunder, corruption scandals have eroded public trust, stifled economic growth, and drawn international condemnation.
This investigative report examines:
- The biggest corruption scandals of 2025
- How corruption weakens governance and the economy
- Government responses (or lack thereof)
- Public anger and the future of accountability
1. Top 5 Corruption Scandals Rocking Bangladesh in 2025
1.1 The Padma Bridge “Ghost Toll” Scandal
- $3.9 billion mega-project (opened 2023) now embroiled in missing toll revenue
- Audit report reveals: Only 40% of collected tolls reached govt. accounts
- Whistleblower arrested under Digital Security Act for exposing discrepancies
1.2 Banking Sector Collapse: The Sonali Bank Heist
- $1.2 billion embezzled through fake loans (2021-2025)
- Top borrowers linked to ruling party MPs
- No major convictions despite Bangladesh Bank investigations
1.3 Power Sector Scam: Overpriced LNG Deals
- $500 million lost in “emergency” LNG imports from Qatar
- AL-affiliated middlemen took huge commissions
- Energy prices surged 30%, worsening inflation
1.4 Health Ministry PPE Fraud
- COVID-19 funds misused (2024-25)
- Fake procurement of medical supplies
- Health Minister’s relatives awarded contracts
1.5 Police Promotion Bribery Network
- Leaked documents show officers paid $50,000+ for promotions
- Home Ministry officials implicated
- No action taken despite media exposés
2. How Corruption Works in Bangladesh’s System
2.1 The “Golden Triangle” of Corruption
| Group | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Politicians | Approve projects for kickbacks | Padma Bridge contracts |
| Business Elite | Win deals via connections | Banking loan scams |
| Bureaucrats | Manipulate tenders, hide evidence | LNG import scandal |
2.2 Legal Shields Protecting the Corrupt
- Weak Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) – Only 3% conviction rate in high-profile cases
- Digital Security Act – Used to jail whistleblowers
- Judicial Delays – Cases drag for decades until public forgets
3. Economic & Social Impact of Corruption
3.1 Bleeding the Economy
- $6-8 billion lost yearly to graft (Transparency Intl. estimate)
- Foreign investors hesitant due to “bribe tax” demands
- Credit rating risks – Moody’s warns of “governance deterioration”
3.2 Public Suffering
- Inflation at 9.5% (2025) – Fueled by mismanaged projects
- Healthcare collapse – Stolen funds = hospital shortages
- Education fraud – Fake degrees for bribes
4. Government Response: Pretending to Fight Corruption
4.1 Token Arrests, No Real Action
- Small fry prosecuted (low-level clerks, opposition figures)
- Big fish untouched (ministers, MPs, business allies)
4.2 Blaming “Foreign Conspiracies”
- Critics labeled “anti-state”
- IMF loan conditions on transparency ignored
4.3 Media Manipulation
- Investigative journalists jailed (7 in 2025 under DSA)
- Pro-govt outlets downplay scandals
5. Can Bangladesh Escape Its Corruption Trap?
5.1 Why Reforms Fail
- AL depends on corrupt networks to stay in power
- No independent judiciary to prosecute elites
- Public protests crushed (2025 saw 5 deaths in anti-graft rallies)
5.2 International Pressure Mounting
- US sanctions likely on 10 more officials (late 2025)
- World Bank may freeze loans over Padma scandal
- EU trade benefits at risk
5.3 Will 2029 Elections Change Anything?
- Opposition too weak to challenge AL
- Ruling party controls election machinery
- Voter apathy rising (65% believe “all parties corrupt”)
Conclusion: A Nation Held Hostage by Graft
Bangladesh in 2025 stands at a crossroads:
- Continue looting, risking economic collapse
- Or embrace reforms, risking AL’s political survival
With no strong opposition, free media, or independent courts, corruption has become the system itself—not just a flaw within it. Unless citizens demand real change, Bangladesh’s “development miracle” may collapse under the weight of its own rot.
FAQ: Bangladesh Corruption Scandals 2025
1. Who is the most corrupt in Bangladesh?
- Politicians (35%), businessmen (30%), bureaucrats (25%) (TI survey)
2. Why isn’t Sheikh Hasina stopping corruption?
- Power depends on corrupt networks; cleaning house = losing allies
3. Has any minister been jailed for graft?
- None since 2009 – Only opposition figures face convictions
4. How much money is stolen yearly?
- $6-8 billion (equal to 2 Padma Bridges yearly)
5. Can the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) help?
- No – Controlled by govt.; only targets opposition
6. What can ordinary citizens do?
- Demand electoral reforms
- Support investigative media
- Reject bribery in daily life