Even after 18 months, reform pledges remain a distant reality: TIB

Although more than a year and a half has passed since the fall of Bangladesh's authoritarian regime, most promised legal, judicial, political, administrative and institutional reforms remain unimplemented, according to a new assessment by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) released today (2 February).

The report, titled "One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Outcomes", says that while reform agendas were widely discussed and several commissions were formed, progress has largely remained at the level of announcements rather than execution – creating a growing gap between public expectations and realities on the ground.

The study reviewed initiatives undertaken by the interim government and other stakeholders in areas including justice, state reform, elections, anti-corruption, democracy and good governance during the period from 5 August 2024 to 31 January 2026.

TIB said the assessment draws on government circulars, ordinances and regulations (draft and final), published news reports, opinion pieces and analyses, interviews with political actors, experts, researchers, journalists, students and civil society representatives, as well as official and non-government websites. 

According to the report, structural reforms in critical areas such as constitutional governance, the judiciary, law enforcement, election administration and local government have seen little tangible advancement.

It said local government reform remains one of the most neglected areas. TIB noted that none of the 180 recommendations made by the Local Government Reform Commission has been implemented so far.

The absence of elected representatives at the local level continues to undermine service delivery and public accountability, the report said.

The report also found limited progress in anti-corruption reforms. Despite repeated commitments to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), concerns persist over its independence and effectiveness.

While investigations into high-profile corruption cases have begun, visible outcomes remain scarce, reinforcing perceptions of selective enforcement, TIB said.

Governance analysts cited in the report warned that reform fatigue and political hesitation risk eroding public trust. Without legally binding timelines, institutional safeguards and inclusive political consensus, reform efforts are unlikely to bring meaningful change, the report argued.

Speaking at the report's release event, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said politicians and the bureaucracy had failed to learn lessons from the July Uprising.

"If mob culture is not properly controlled, violence may occur in the upcoming election, as seen in previous polls," he said, urging the government to act firmly to curb such incidents.

He warned that the risk of violence could persist even after polling day, adding that the government was aware of the situation and had both the authority and capacity to respond.

Referring to cases linked to the July Uprising, Iftekharuzzaman said journalists had been detained in numerous instances, raising concerns about whether justice was being served or retaliation was taking place.

He stressed that genuine accountability requires fair trials for those responsible for killings, human rights violations, corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.

He also criticised the broadcasting and media commission ordinances, saying the media sector remains neglected and vulnerable, and questioned whether the interim government is truly committed to ensuring a free and safe press.

On proposals such as an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court, he said their effectiveness would depend on the next government, warning that politicisation within the judiciary remains a major challenge.

Public administration reforms lag

According to the TIB report, the government identified 18 "urgent" recommendations out of 208 made by the Public Administration Reform Commission. However, only three – renovation of toilets, passport issuance without verification and holding public hearings – have seen progress.

TIB alleged that the Ministry of Public Administration and the Cabinet Division ignored key recommendations and instead added proposals aimed at protecting bureaucratic interests. 

The study also found that promotions continue to be influenced by political loyalty. It alleged that instead of prioritising experience, skill, and merit, the authorities are giving precedence to the "deprived" status or political loyalty of officials.

Some officials promoted allegedly have records of corruption or disciplinary action, while others have been overlooked. Despite pledges to end contractual appointments, retired officials continue to be prioritised, causing frustration for active officers who are awaiting promotion.

Bi-party dominance, anti-corruption gaps

The TIB report said the interim government has failed to depoliticise the administration, noting that the monopoly of the previous authoritarian era has merely been replaced by a "bi-party dominance."

It also noted that the dominance of the administration cadre remains at a risky level, leading to grade-based and inter-cadre discrimination. TIB further warned that ongoing chaos and indecisiveness within the public administration are negatively affecting development activities.

On anti-corruption, TIB said investigations into 249 high-profile individuals have shown little progress, while efforts to recover laundered funds, prevent widespread graft, bribery and other corrupt practices remain ineffective. 

Although disclosure of assets by advisory council members was promised, no information has been made public yet, and asset records of government officials, despite being recorded, have not been verified.

According to the report, the ACC continues to face political and bureaucratic influence, with allegations of bias in filing and withdrawing cases. Key reform proposals for ensuring the commission's independence have been ignored.

It said anti-corruption measures have often targeted individuals or groups outside the ruling power, leaving those within largely untouched, with the ACC sometimes supporting controversial government actions.

Only 6 health sector reforms implemented

TIB's review found that of the more than 400 recommendations made by the Health Reform Commission, 33 were identified as urgent, but only six have so far been implemented.

Rising medical costs, corruption in procurement, and alleged influence by physician groups over postings, transfers and recruitment persist. The government has also failed to ensure proper treatment for those injured in the anti-discrimination movement.

According to TIB, some progress was noted, including a decision to promote around 7,000 doctors through incentives in certain cases, a 30% increase in trainee allowances, and plans to establish a nationwide pharmacy network at government hospitals.