Combating Corruption : The Role of the Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study analyses anti-corruption measures employed by governments in Bangladesh through legal-enforcement and institutional approaches. The question was raised among scholars whether legal-institutional approaches alone are capable to tackle corruption in developing countries or fail to achieve the initiatives in controlling corruption. Success stories from few well-managed anti-corruption institutions (ICAC, CPIB) provide hope for rest of the developing countries. These methods have proved less effective in countries lacking independent legal system, without accountability of government or inadequate financial transparency and political commitment. Thus, my study mainly attempts to unfold the role of the Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) in controlling corruption in Bangladesh. Explicit focus has been drawn on the performance of BAC and how did the Bureau eventually become dysfunctional. Was it structurally/technically incapable compared to other anti-corruption agencies of the developing countries? The study also aims to examine the nature of political interference and lack of political commitment of successive governments in fighting corruption. The final section will emphasize the scope for establishing an effective anticorruption strategy in Bangladesh. The analysis is based on field work conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during October-November 2005. Primary data was collected through interviews with BAC personnel and members of the civil society.