Published: 11:22 PM, 30 September 2026
Combat Against Corruption Should Start from Society
Bernard Priyam
Corruption is one of the most persistent obstacles to social and economic development in Bangladesh. It affects public services, weakens institutions, increases inequality, discourages investment, and undermines citizens’ confidence in government. While the government, law enforcement agencies, courts, and anti-corruption institutions have important roles to play, the fight against corruption cannot succeed through state action alone. A sustainable campaign against corruption must begin with society itself.
Corruption is not limited to large-scale financial scandals or the misuse of public office. It can appear in everyday life through bribery, favoritism, cheating, tax evasion, examination fraud, misuse of influence, and the use of personal connections to obtain services or opportunities unfairly. When such practices become socially tolerated, corruption becomes more difficult to control. Therefore, combating corruption requires a change not only in institutions but also in social attitudes and behavior.
Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic development, education, infrastructure, and digital services. Yet corruption can reduce the benefits of these achievements. A citizen who has to pay an unofficial fee to receive a legitimate public service may lose faith in the system. A businessperson who believes that connections matter more than merit may hesitate to compete fairly. A student who sees cheating rewarded may gradually lose respect for honesty. These seemingly small experiences can collectively create a culture in which unethical behavior is considered normal.
For this reason, families have an important role in preventing corruption. Children learn values primarily from their surroundings. Parents and guardians should teach them that honesty is not simply a moral slogan but a practical responsibility. They should discourage cheating, lying, bribery, and favoritism even when these actions appear to offer short-term advantages. If young people grow up believing that success must be achieved through ability, effort, and integrity, they are more likely to become responsible citizens.
Educational institutions also have a major responsibility. Schools, colleges, and universities should promote ethics alongside academic knowledge. Students should understand the social and economic consequences of corruption and learn about transparency, accountability, civic responsibility, and the rule of law. Examination systems should be fair and transparent, because tolerating dishonesty in education can normalize dishonest behavior later in professional life. Teachers and administrators must also demonstrate the values they expect from students.
The business community and professional organizations can contribute significantly as well. Businesses should adopt transparent accounting, fair recruitment, ethical procurement, and strong internal controls. Professional associations can establish and enforce codes of conduct. Companies that refuse to participate in bribery and other corrupt practices can help create an environment in which ethical competition becomes more common.
The media and civil society have another crucial role. Investigative journalism can bring irregularities to public attention, while civil society organizations can promote awareness and monitor public institutions. However, responsible reporting is essential. Allegations should be investigated carefully, evidence should be presented accurately, and individuals should not be condemned without due process. Public discussion of corruption should strengthen accountability rather than become a tool for personal or political retaliation.
At the same time, citizens need accessible and trustworthy mechanisms for reporting corruption. Whistleblowers should be protected, complaints should be investigated impartially, and public institutions should make their procedures and decisions as transparent as possible. Digitalization can also reduce opportunities for corruption by limiting unnecessary face-to-face interactions, creating electronic records, and making public services easier to monitor.
The government remains indispensable in this struggle. Strong laws, independent institutions, effective investigations, fair trials, transparent public procurement, and meaningful accountability are necessary to deter corruption. Enforcement must apply consistently, regardless of a person's wealth, position, or connections. Institutional reform is especially important because individuals cannot be expected to resist corruption if systems themselves create incentives for it.
However, laws alone cannot create an honest society. If citizens willingly offer bribes, businesses willingly make improper payments, families celebrate wealth without asking how it was acquired, or communities protect influential people from scrutiny, corruption will continue to find social acceptance. The fight must therefore move beyond government offices and courtrooms into homes, schools, workplaces, marketplaces, and neighborhoods.
The battle against corruption will not be won overnight. It requires patience, institutional reform, public awareness, and a long-term commitment to ethical behavior. Most importantly, it must start from society. When honesty becomes a social expectation rather than merely an official slogan, Bangladesh can build stronger institutions, fairer opportunities, and greater public trust. The fight against corruption begins not only with those who hold power, but with every citizen who chooses integrity when dishonesty seems easier.
Bernard Priyam is a freelancer
and a columnist.
