What other countries are getting right about fighting corruption

The latest Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 did not surprise anyone. Bangladesh scored 23 out of 100, its lowest score in 13 years. 

In South Asia, only Afghanistan fares worse. 

On paper, Bangladesh moved four places up in the global ranking. This improvement is misleading because it was due to other nations performing worse rather than an actual reduction in corruption. 

Tackling corruption is a popular buzzword for governments and political parties alike. However, no one in Bangladesh appears to know how to tackle such deeply entrenched cultural practices.  As such, examining countries that have successfully implemented anti-corruption measures may provide valuable insights into this phenomenon. 

We chose four countries from Asia—South Korea, Bahrain, Japan and Singapore - who have each employed distinct strategies to combat corruption, demonstrating that transparency, strict law enforcement and political accountability can significantly reduce corruption.

South Korea: Go after the big guns

South Korea was a highly corrupt country in the 1960s and 1970s, but it is now doing much better (despite the high-profile cases you hear about in international media). The country ranks 30th in the CPI Index. In 2016, its score was 53, and now it is 64—achieved through systemic governance improvement and an independent judiciary. 

The country established the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), which plays a pivotal role in monitoring and investigating corruption-related offences. The government has empowered prosecutors to conduct investigations without political interference, ensuring that cases against powerful individuals proceed without obstruction.

A key strategy in South Korea's fight against corruption has been the aggressive prosecution of high-ranking officials and business leaders. The country has sent multiple former presidents, including Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, to prison for corruption-related offences. This high-profile accountability signals to the public that corruption will not be tolerated at any level of society. 

The government also actively pursues investigations against chaebols (large family-owned business conglomerates), ensuring that corporate corruption does not go unchecked.

Another crucial strategy is whistleblower protection. South Korea's Act on the Protection of Public Interest Whistleblowers provides robust safeguards for individuals reporting corruption, including anonymity and legal immunity. This encourages more people to come forward with information, strengthening the fight against corruption.

Furthermore, the country has embraced technological advancements to curb corruption in public services. Digital platforms have been introduced for public procurement, tax filing and administrative services, reducing direct human interaction and minimizing opportunities for bribery.

Japan: Rigorous audits

Japan has consistently scored 73-74 from 2012 to 2023. This year, they scored 71 securing 20th place. For a country with powerful conglomerates and a political nexus between the politicians and those big businesses, such consistency is laudable. 

Japan's anti-corruption strategy hinges on prosecutorial independence, corporate governance reforms and financial transparency. The country's Special Investigation Department (SID) within the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors' Office is dedicated to investigating high-profile corruption cases, ensuring that political and business elites are held accountable.

One of Japan's strongest anti-corruption mechanisms is its strict financial auditing practices. Companies and government agencies are subject to rigorous audits to detect illicit financial activities. Additionally, Japan has implemented laws that regulate political donations, ensuring that corporate interests do not unduly influence policymaking.

Japan's corporate governance laws have also played a critical role in mitigating corruption. The government has introduced stringent regulations requiring companies to disclose financial transactions, making it difficult for businesses to engage in corrupt practices. 

The country has also cracked down on amakudari, a practice where retiring bureaucrats take lucrative positions in private companies in exchange for favourable treatment while in office. Stricter regulations now prevent such conflicts of interest from occurring.

Public trust in anti-corruption agencies is another key factor in Japan's success. The country has cultivated a culture where corruption is socially unacceptable, reinforcing the effectiveness of its legal and institutional frameworks.

Singapore: High public sector salaries

When we talk about tackling corruption, we think of Singapore. Their crusade against corruption is famous across the world. Singapore has consistently remained in the top 10 in CPI. This year, they are the champions in Asia, ranking 3rd worldwide with a score of 84. 

Singapore's anti-corruption strategy is built on a foundation of zero-tolerance policies, institutional integrity and strong law enforcement. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), operating independently under the Prime Minister's Office, has extensive investigative powers, allowing it to probe corruption cases across all sectors without political interference.

A defining feature of Singapore's strategy is its high public sector salaries. Civil servants, including law enforcement officials, receive competitive compensation packages, reducing the temptation for bribery (something we tried doing as well, but did not quite work out).  

The government also enforces strict conflict-of-interest policies, preventing officials from engaging in activities that could compromise their integrity.

Transparency and accountability are embedded in Singapore's governance model. The country has implemented comprehensive e-governance systems, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and minimising opportunities for corruption. Public procurement processes are highly regulated, ensuring that contracts are awarded based on merit rather than personal connections.

Singapore also places a strong emphasis on public education and community involvement in anti-corruption efforts. Schools incorporate ethics and integrity lessons into their curriculum, fostering a culture of honesty from an early age. Additionally, the government actively encourages citizens to report corruption, offering secure and anonymous reporting channels.

Another effective strategy is the country's swift legal proceedings. Corruption cases are handled with urgency, ensuring that perpetrators face consequences without prolonged delays. The certainty of punishment acts as a strong deterrent against corrupt behaviour.

Bahrain: e-Governance

Bahrain has been the biggest mover from last year.  In 2024, Bahrain had a score of 42, ranking 76th. This year, they have moved up 11 places—now the country has the highest increase since last year. This year, they have scored 53, ranking 53rd. 

So how did Bahrain do it? It focused on institutional reforms and digitalisation to reduce corruption effectively. The government established the National Audit Office (NAO) and the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security to oversee financial transactions, ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending. These agencies conduct regular audits of government departments and flag any financial discrepancies.

A major anti-corruption strategy in Bahrain has been the implementation of e-governance initiatives. The government has developed digital platforms for business registration, tax payments and procurement processes. These platforms eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic steps, reducing opportunities for bribery and favouritism. The Tender Board, an independent entity, oversees all government procurement processes, ensuring fair competition and transparency.

Additionally, Bahrain enforces strict penalties against public officials and businesses engaged in corrupt practices. The government has enacted laws that allow for swift legal action against individuals accused of corruption, ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. The judiciary is granted significant independence in handling corruption cases, preventing political interference.

Bahrain has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the detrimental effects of corruption. These initiatives encourage civic engagement and promote a culture of integrity within society. 

While each of these four countries has implemented different strategies, some common themes emerge—judicial independence, institutional strength, and governance. 

Bahrain has been the biggest mover from last year. In 2024, Bahrain had a score of 42, ranking 76th. This year, they have moved up 11 places—now the country has the highest increase since last year. This year, they have scored 53, ranking 53rd. So how did Bahrain do it? It focused on institutional reforms and digitalisation to reduce corruption effectively.

"Political and administrative commitment at all levels and delivery of the same without fear of favour; equality before law to hold the corrupt people to account irrespective of status, identity or linkage; independence and accountability of oversight institutions like Anti-corruption Commission; effective parliament to ensure democratic governance and capacity of the public representatives to hold the government to account [are needed to tackle corruption]," Dr Iftekharuzzaman, the executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, told TBS.   

"[It is imperative to ensure] regular disclosure of assets of public representatives and government officials at all levels and effective system to ensure accountability in case of discrepancies between legitimate income and acquired assets; end to end automation of all public sector services including effective grievances redress system; effective access to information and whistleblower protection," Dr Iftekharuzzaman also summed up the steps. 

Moreover, he also thinks that inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration for prevention and control of high-level corruption and money laundering; media and civil society freedom to strengthen the demand side for prevention of corruption through a whole-of-society approach can reduce corruption in Bangladesh.