United News of Bangladesh

Over the past 11 months, Bangladesh’s anti-graft landscape has unfolded with a mix of progress, as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has wrapped up 249 cases since December 2024, but with more than half ending up in acquittal. From December 2024 to October 2025, 512 cases were filed against corrupt people both at home and abroad, including money launderers, state fund embezzlers, loan defaulters and various government, private and political figures. During the same period, 249 pending cases were resolved, resulting in convictions in 126 cases and acquittal in 123. The ACC also reported recovering fines amounting to Tk 5,058 crore and confiscating assets worth Tk 321 crore. Read more: Recovered gold not only Hasina’s, includes family members too, says ACC According to 11 months of case and charge sheet statistics, the ACC received 11,630 complaints, but only 960 were accepted for inquiry. Meanwhile, 798 enforcement operations were conducted, of which 188 are under investigation, 28 have resulted in cases, and four people were caught red-handed through traps. Besides, 23 public hearings were held. During this period, the ACC says, a total of 512 cases were filed implicating 2,191 accused individuals. Charge sheets were submitted in 315 cases, naming 1,078 accused.  A total of 73 cases were exempted under FRT (final report). Following the fall of the Awami League government amid mass protests on August 5 last year, the ACC began investigating corruption by top politicians, businessmen and institutions. The commission found evidence of money laundering and corruption, prompting a series of cases and subsequent court orders to freeze and confiscate assets — a process that continues. In the aftermath of the mass uprising, the ACC claimed it had achieved record success in its crackdown on corrupt individuals, confiscating and freezing unprecedented amounts of movable and immovable assets. Between December 2024 and October 2025, the ACC seized and froze assets worth more than Tk 26,013 crore belonging to over 300 individuals and entities involved in corruption, embezzlement and money laundering. By comparison, the total value of confiscated and frozen assets in all of 2024 was only Tk 361 crore. In the five years from 2020 to 2024, the combined figure stood at roughly Tk 3,450 crore, highlighting the dramatic surge in asset seizures over the past 11 months. According to ACC’s asset management division and court sources, Tk 3,457 crore 83 lakh worth of assets were confiscated within the country during this period. Besides, domestic bank and financial accounts containing Tk 22,226 crore 79 lakh were frozen, along with Tk 328 crore 38 lakh frozen abroad. In total, around Tk 26,013 crore 2 lakh 93 thousand in assets were confiscated or frozen both domestically and internationally. Commenting on the overall development, ACC Commissioner Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi said, “I want to emphasise that the ACC is empowered with substantial legal authority. To expedite judicial proceedings, more special courts are required.” Read more: ACC approves chargesheet against former IGP Benazir Ahmed ACC has not yet become the fully empowered institution it needs to be, said its Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen. Responding to a question on whether the ACC is a ‘toothless tiger’, he said, “The ACC has both teeth and claws — though they may need further sharpening. The teeth are not as sharp as they need to be. The claws have not fully grown yet. We are somewhere in the middle stage.” When asked whether the ACC faces political or external pressure, the chairman issued a strong warning, saying that anyone attempting to hinder corruption inquiries or investigations in the future will have their names publicly disclosed. He emphasised that combating corruption is not solely the responsibility of the ACC. Each government, autonomous, and private institution must strengthen their own audit mechanisms. “If institutions took action against corrupt officials based on their internal audit reports, many cases would not even need to come to the ACC,” he said. Sharing data on recent ACC activities, Momen noted that an analysis of the 11 months from December 2024 to October 2025 shows that politicians account for the lowest number of ACC cases. During this period, 151 cases were filed against politicians, while only 28 cases resulted in charge sheets. The chairman’s comments underline both the structural limitations of the ACC and the growing expectation for greater transparency, especially with the new warning to expose those who attempt to exert undue influence. Read more: ACC to reveal names if pressure exerted to obstruct probe: Chairman

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, long hailed as a leading higher education institution in northern Bangladesh, has recently come under intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism and corruption. Sources at the university report that since its establishment, 33 students, faculty members and staff have fallen victim to sexual misconduct, raising serious concerns among educationists and civic society leaders. Fahkrul Anam Benju, an educationist in Rangpur and president of the Sujon Forum, voiced deep apprehension over the situation, saying, “When students in a leading university feel unsafe, words fail us. We are both angry and disappointed.” The issue came to public attention following allegations against Dr Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Disaster Science and Management Department, who has been relieved of all departmental duties. A notice issued by the department head, Professor Md Imdadul Haque, cited urgent action in response to complaints from students of the 2020–21 academic year. Dr Islam has been barred from supervising or examining fourth-year, second-semester courses, including DSM4207 (Research Project). Read more: BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation Several victims have claimed that their pursuit of higher education has placed their personal safety at risk. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Showkat Ali described the situation as both ‘embarrassing’ and ‘shameful’. Meanwhile, separate allegations of corruption and nepotism have resurfaced involving five former university officials, including a previous Vice-Chancellor. Two of the accused were suspended at one point, while three others remain in their positions, with no visible administrative action taken. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a case 12 years ago against former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Jalil Miah over alleged financial irregularities, recruitment malpractice, and nepotism. The university’s anti-corruption mancha first reported the VC’s alleged misconduct to the ACC on 5 March 2013, triggering an investigation. Abdul Karim, then Deputy Director of ACC Rangpur, confirmed that a case was filed on 12 December 2013 against the former VC and two others at Kotwali Police Station. Another accused was then-Registrar Md Shahjahan Ali Mondal. Over the course of a nearly three-year investigation, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Md Akbar Ali found further involvement of university officials, including Planning and Development Deputy Director ATGM Golam Firoz, Assistant Registrar Md Morshed Ul Alam Roni and Finance and Accounts Assistant Director Khandakar Ashraful Alam. The investigation revealed irregularities in appointments: Golam Firoz was promoted from an ad hoc Grade-9 position to Grade-5 Deputy Director without the required experience. Md Morshed was appointed Assistant Registrar within two years of completing his postgraduate degree, falling short of the mandatory five-year experience. Khandakar Ashraful was initially hired on an ad hoc basis and later regularised as Assistant Director (Budget) without meeting standard protocols. Read more: Panel formed to settle BRUR teacher Mahmudul’s seniority, promotion In July 2017, former VC Jalil and Registrar Shahjahan surrendered to the court and were sent to jail, while arrest warrants were issued for the other three officials. The university syndicate suspended Shahjahan, Firoz, Md Morshed, and Khandakar Ashraful. However, in October 2017, the court granted temporary relief to the three officials, allowing for administrative discretion by the university in case of questionable appointments. Later, the orders were mysteriously revoked, and their positions were regularised. The ACC appealed, and the High Court subsequently nullified the lower court’s relief, ordering the formation of charges. The case remains pending, with hearings delayed due to adjournments requested by the accused. VC Showkat Ali said, “The administration had not informed me about these issues. After learning of them through investigations, I inquired further. No department had brought this to my notice, so I could not take action. The corruption case involving the former VC and others is extremely important.” He added, “I am consulting with their lawyers and will act according to legal procedures. If departmental action is possible, it will be taken. I have never compromised on integrity, and any measures will be transparent.” The ongoing controversies at BRUR, ranging from sexual harassment to allegations of nepotism and corruption, underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in one of northern Bangladesh’s flagship universities. Read more: Rokeya University teacher Mahamud gets bail; OC transferred

Transparency International’s (TI) International Board Chair François Valérian on Thursday said that corruption in Bangladesh still persists, although it has declined since the July uprising. “Identifying where the laundered money has gone and bringing it back is urgent. This requires coordinated action with the relevant countries,” Valérian told a press conference at a city hotel. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organised the press conference marking his visit to Bangladesh. Noting that reform initiatives are underway in different sectors, Valérian said it is too early to predict how the situation will unfold in the future. “Corruption still exists in Bangladesh, but it has decreased after the July uprising,” he added. PIB director suspended over corruption allegations TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said some preventive measures have been taken against money laundering, particularly through loan mechanisms, which have somewhat reduced the outflow. He mentioned banking sector reforms but emphasised that money laundering continues and that prevention should be prioritised, as recovering laundered money is very difficult. According to Dr Iftekharuzzaman, the amount laundered in recent years exceeded more than twice the volume of foreign aid and investment Bangladesh received annually. He said curbing the practice and recovering stolen assets remain essential, citing some success such as the freezing of assets in the United Kingdom. François Valérian arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday for a three-day visit and this is his first trip to Bangladesh since being elected Chair of TI’s International Board in 2023. During the visit, he met TIB officials, presidents of 45 district-based Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC), leaders of 65 Youth Engagement and Support (YES) platforms, as well as stakeholders from government and non-government sectors, civil society representatives and media professionals. Witnesses start testifying against ousted PM Hasina, family members in Purbachal plot corruption cases A noted academic and researcher, Valérian has been serving at TI’s International Board since 2019 and contributed to several key committees before being elected Chair.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah on Monday questioned the credibility of British MP Tulip Siddiq’s claim of innocence, asking why her lawyer sent a letter to the ACC if she had nothing to hide. “Why did she resign from her ministerial post if she knew nothing? And why did her lawyer write to us?” the ACC chief said in response to a journalist’s question during a press briefing in the afternoon. Tulip, niece of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Labour Party MP for Hampstead and Kilburn in the UK, is currently facing multiple corruption cases in Bangladesh. “She will be treated as a Bangladeshi citizen, and legal action will be taken accordingly,” Abdullah said, adding that ACC’s proceedings regarding Tulip are ongoing. He said that summon letters are being sent to her verified addresses and that the allegations involve irregularities in plot allocations in Gulshan and Rajuk, among others. “She claimed her gold holdings jumped from 10 to 30 tolas in her income tax returns—without any change in market value. These are anomalies we’re looking into,” the ACC chairman said. “Despite her repeated claims of ignorance, her actions—like resigning from her UK ministerial post—suggest otherwise,” he added. ACC issues fresh summon to British MP Tulip Siddiq over alleged flat acquisition Tulip resigned from her junior ministerial post in the UK government earlier this year amid growing controversy surrounding the corruption allegations. On April 15, the ACC filed a case accusing her of unlawfully securing a flat from Eastern Housing Ltd as a bribe in exchange for facilitating the illegal transfer of a Gulshan plot. She was first summoned on May 14, and a second notice was issued on June 15, asking her to appear for questioning on June 22. Tulip has claimed via various channels that she did not receive the first notice.

Calling corruption the biggest problem of the country, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday warned that those involved in ‘case trading and graft’ will not be spared. “No one involved in case trading and corruption will be spared. But, yes, corruption is the biggest problem in Bangladesh. If it could be brought under control, the country would have advanced significantly,” he said. Law and order satisfactory during Eid: Home Adviser Adviser Jahangir made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters during his visit to Gachha police station in Gazipur city Tuesday morning. Highlighting the police reform initiative, he said as part of the reform an initiative has been taken to accept cases and GDs online across the country and there will be no need to come to the police station in-person. Besides, he said, a ‘glass room’ will be provided for questioning the accused in custody, allowing people to see how they are being treated from outside. Replying to another query, he said the plaintiffs in the murder cases of July and August are a large number of people and it is taking time to end the investigations to determine who is guilty and who is innocent as there are many accused in their cases.  

As Bangladesh sets its sights on becoming a developed nation, systemic corruption remains one of its most formidable obstacles, infiltrating every stratum of society – from mega infrastructure projects to the most basic public services. From glistening billboards heralding “mega development” to hollow concrete shells gathering dust, the nation’s ambitious growth narrative is increasingly undermined by a sobering reality – corruption is throttling progress and betraying the very people it purports to uplift. Court imposes travel ban on Hanif, his family over corruption In recent years, billions of taka have been funnelled into infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Yet many of these projects exist only on paper or lie incomplete, leaving citizens questioning where the money has truly gone. Infrastructure Mirage: Projects Built to Siphon, Not Serve Over the past decade, Bangladesh has embarked on numerous mega projects – the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and countless highways and flyovers.  These undertakings represent national pride but have also become fertile grounds for corruption. A 2023 World Bank study estimated that Bangladesh loses over 2% of its GDP annually to corruption, particularly in public procurement and infrastructure. Experts argue that many of these ventures are conceived not to meet public needs but to create opportunities for kickbacks and fund embezzlement. Consider the road cutting through Kurigram’s remote villages – once paved with optimism, now largely washed away. Court imposes travel ban on ex-AL MP, family in corruption case Villagers alleged that local contractors, shielded by former ruling party leaders, pocketed funds by using substandard materials.  A road meant to benefit 10,000 residents now barely supports foot traffic. “The work was done on paper. The bills cleared. But the road was never meant to last,” said a local union council member, speaking on condition of anonymity. This is far from an isolated case.  A 2022 audit by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) found that over 40% of rural infrastructure projects were plagued by serious irregularities – from fake tenders to work existing solely in documentation. The Case of Vanishing Roads Bangladesh’s rapid economic ascent and ambitious development projects often garner international acclaim.  Yet beneath the surface of gleaming bridges and highways lies a grimmer reality – rampant corruption draining the nation, turning dreams of prosperity into crumbling roads, empty hospitals, and broken public trust. In the rural district of Patuakhali, locals jest about a “road to nowhere.”  Constructed two years ago under a rural development project, the road remains unfinished, barely passable during monsoon, with parts already disintegrating. Allegations quickly surfaced: fake billing, inferior materials, and contractors disappearing post partial completion. Ongoing projects taken by AL govt under scanner for corruption: Adviser “They inaugurated the project with cameras, but now it’s just dust and broken promises,” Abdul Karim, a local farmer, told a local newspaper. Such “ghost roads” are hardly rare. A Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report revealed that nearly 30% of funds earmarked for rural road development are lost to corruption, bribery, and fictitious tenders. All-Weather Road in Kishoreganj Turns into a White Elephant The much-anticipated all-weather road in Kishoreganj – once touted as a transformative infrastructure project aimed at easing transport challenges and stimulating the local economy – is now widely derided as a “white elephant.” Constructed at the cost of several crores of taka, the road was intended to link remote areas of Kishoreganj with the district town, promising year-round accessibility. However, poor planning, shoddy construction, and lack of maintenance have rendered it nearly unusable within just a few years. Locals report that large sections are already riddled with potholes, with some turning to mud pits during the rainy season – negating the very idea of an “all-weather” road. Despite repeated complaints, authorities have yet to take concrete action, fuelling public anger and disappointment. “We had high hopes that this road would change our lives by improving communication and market access, but now it feels like a waste of money,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Pakundia upazila. Locals have raised serious concerns about the accountability of the contractors and officials involved. Allegations of corruption, use of low-grade materials, and irregularities in project oversight are widespread. Experts warn that without urgent repairs and monitoring, the road will not only fail to serve its purpose but also stand as a glaring testament to misused public funds. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has yet to release an official statement regarding the road’s current state. In the meantime, the so-called all-weather road remains a symbol of frustration and broken promises for the people of Kishoreganj. Health Sector’s Silent Death While glossy budgets for the health sector expand annually, the condition of public hospitals reflects a grim reality of corruption-fuelled neglect.  In Barisal, a newly constructed 100-bed hospital stands eerily silent – no doctors, no nurses, no equipment. The building is complete; the service is non-existent. A TIB investigation found that bribes account for 25% of rural healthcare expenditure, rendering medical services inaccessible to the poor while funds meant for medicine, staffing and equipment are routinely misappropriated. “We built the hospital. But staffing is another project, and that means more money, more bribes. So it remains empty,” admitted a mid-level health department official. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the extent of the rot. Funds meant for pandemic response were misused – from fake mask deliveries to defective oxygen supplies. Ghost hospitals, phantom patients, and inflated procurement bills became the norm. Hospitals Built but Not for the Sick The healthcare sector’s story is echoed across the country. In Rajshahi, a newly-built 50-bed hospital stands empty – no doctors, no equipment, and no patients. Locals have dubbed it the “hospital of ghosts.”  Though constructed under a health sector project worth hundreds of crores, it remains non-functional due to political favouritism and embezzlement. “Patients are forced to travel 40 kilometres for basic treatment while a fully built hospital is left unused. This is a crime against us,” said Shamsunnahar Begum, a local resident. Corruption in the Shadows From kickbacks in mega projects to grassroots extortion, corruption permeates every sector. Local government officials, political leaders, and contractors form an entrenched network where every link is greased with money.  The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) occasionally launches investigations, but few face tangible consequences. A senior government official, speaking off the record, said, “Many projects are approved just to siphon off funds. The work is secondary.” The true victims of this widespread corruption are ordinary citizens – farmers unable to transport produce, students studying in dilapidated schools, and patients dying without treatment – all because greed is prioritised over service. Economist Dr Nazrul Islam warned, “Corruption is eating away at our development. If this continues, our GDP growth will be meaningless – a number that hides growing inequality and suffering.” Corruption in Bangladesh is not random – it is systemic and politically shielded. From local chairmen to national ministers, a chain of patronage ensures that the corrupt remain protected. Contracts are frequently awarded to those aligned with the ruling party.  Though the ACC occasionally raises its voice, its effectiveness is crippled by political interference. Between 2018 and 2023, over 80% of major corruption cases either stalled or ended with lenient sentencing, according to the Commission’s annual reports. From land development to school construction and relief distribution – all are seen as opportunities for extortion.  Even social safety nets like the “Old Age Allowance” and “VGD Cards” for the poor require bribes for inclusion. “In our area, you need to pay Tk 5,000 to get listed for government relief,” said Shahana Begum, a widow from Narayanganj. Vicious Cycle: Development Without Impact Economists caution that Bangladesh risks falling into a high-growth, low-impact trap – where GDP figures rise but public services collapse. Dr Zillur Rahman, a governance expert, observed, “Bangladesh is building, but not building for people. It’s building for networks of corruption. When roads crumble in two years, when hospitals stand empty, it’s not just waste – it’s theft of people’s future.” The consequences are long-term – poor education, inadequate healthcare, rising inequality, and a disillusioned population. Experts stress that strong political will, independent institutions, and active citizen participation are essential.  Without transparency and accountability, Bangladesh risks becoming a nation of unfulfilled dreams – a country of ghost roads, empty hospitals, and growing despair.   They further recommend enhancing the independence of the ACC with prosecutorial authority, digitising procurement and project monitoring, and reducing human interference to curb corruption. Without sweeping reforms, Bangladesh may become a nation of “ghost projects” – where development is a spectacle, not a service. “We don’t just need roads and hospitals – we need them to work. Otherwise, it’s just concrete and corruption,” lamented a frustrated schoolteacher in Dhaka.      

The interim government has decided to scrutinise the running projects taken during the Awami League regime to identify if there were any corruption and irregularities. As coordinator the planning ministry will ask other ministries to send their documents regarding this. The decision was taken on Monday at the National Economic Council meeting held at the planning ministry with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed the reporters after the meeting. He said that the allocations of the running projects, which were taken during the Awami League regime, are done by the respective ministries as their monetary allocation has been approved. “What are the condition of those projects, are they in good condition or lying for a long time without any progress,” the planning adviser questioned. He also said that these projects are not needed to come to the planning ministry as they got the approval from the ministry before. “So we have taken a decision, the projects which are running from before (our time), these projects are not coming to us for amendments even, but they are with the ministries, may be they are running or no one is taking care of them or may be almost dead. We can take an initiative to search those running projects,” he said. He also mentioned that big corruptions are going on in those running projects as these projects have their funding already. “Because ECNEC already gave its approval, the finance ministry is disbursing funds against these projects,” he said.  

The much-sought Muhuri Irrigation Project in Feni, launched with a promise of transforming local agriculture, has failed to deliver its intended benefits due to alleged corruption, inefficiency and substandard implementation. Implemented by the Water Development Board at a cost of Tk 562.69 crore with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project aimed to introduce an underground irrigation system powered by electric pumps and prepaid meters. Despite its completion in June last year, the infrastructure has largely collapsed, leaving thousands of farmers without water and struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Corruption and Mismanagement Local farmers and officials claim that systemic corruption and poor project execution, rather than the floods cited by authorities, are to blame for the failure. The project, spanning five upazilas in Feni and Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram, was divided into nine packages. A German firm, Ludwig Pfeiffer Hoch-und Tiefbau GmbH & Co KG, secured two contracts worth Tk 157.18 crore. Official records reveal that out of 850 planned underground pipeline schemes covering 534 kilometres, only 337 have been handed over, with just 268 operational—many of which are now severely damaged. While the project initially aimed to irrigate 18,000 hectares of land, only around 3,000 hectares have received water so far. Farmers Struggling Without Water Farmers report that the irrigation system is virtually unusable, with stolen electric transmitters and prepaid meters exacerbating the crisis. Read: World's biggest lift irrigation project is flowing in India “How can the scheme function without electric transmitters? They get stolen every few days,” lamented Afsar Uddin, a farmer from Kalidaha, Feni Sadar upazila. Another farmer, Azgar Uddin from Sonagazi, said that the prepaid meter system, intended to lower costs, has instead increased their expenses. "Previously, we used oil-powered pumps, which were costly but reliable. This system was meant to be cheaper, but it’s costing us even more," he said. The Water Management Federation, which oversees irrigation projects, also raised concerns. Its General Secretary, Main Uddin Kamran, claimed that while official records mention over 8,000 pumps, many have never functioned. He dismissed the flood damage explanation as an excuse, attributing the failure to corruption and mismanagement. Financial Irregularities The contractor reportedly withdrew Tk 134.60 crore before abandoning the project, with Tk 16 crore remaining in deposit. Even if the company settles its dues, the government is expected to recover just Tk 6 crore. A field visit revealed that while some infrastructure is in place, most water supply schemes are ineffective. Read more: ACC to investigate allegations of corruption in Third Terminal Project At Alokdia village, underground pipes have burst due to poor-quality materials. "Many pipes broke during installation because they lacked reinforcing rods or mesh in the cement,” said farmer Nur Nabi. Even where the system functions, it remains inefficient. Abdul Matin, a scheme manager, reported that despite inserting money into the prepaid meter, farmers were not receiving water. "Farmers refuse to pay because they aren't getting water. If this continues, the entire scheme will collapse," he warned. Official Defence and Farmers’ Skepticism Abu Tayyab, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kalidaha, noted that farmers suffered major losses in the August floods. Read more: ACC to reinvestigate Padma Bridge corruption case against Sheikh Hasina Although the government provided fertilisers, seeds, and incentives, the lack of irrigation has hindered cultivation, worsening financial losses. Water Development Board officials insist that repeated floods, including one last August, have severely damaged the project. "Some schemes were functional before the August floods, and farmers had started benefiting, but the disaster disrupted operations," said former Executive Engineer Mohammad Rashed Shahriar. Farmers and experts remain unconvinced, arguing that the project’s structural flaws and mismanagement are the real culprits behind its failure.

Entrepreneurs representing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at a regional workshop here on Sunday said corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to business investment and the creation of new entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.   The negative impact of corruption severely affects SME entrepreneurs, they said, expressing their concerns at the workshop organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Representatives from various levels of the SME sector in the Khulna division participated in the meeting. At the beginning, Executive Director of CGS Zillur Rahman mentioned that Bangladesh faces challenges at the sub-national level as a developing country due to a lack of education and training, which hinders the SME sector from fully understanding and following necessary processes. SME entrepreneurs highlighted the need for accessible guidelines on important processes such as applying for trade licenses, conducting online business activities, and obtaining letters of credit. "To address these issues, CGS is developing a "Good Governance Toolkit" in consultation with experts, business leaders, and SME entrepreneurs," Zillur said. Additionally, he said the CGS is organizing these workshops designed not only to provide knowledge but also to gather feedback from SME entrepreneurs. The toolkit includes topics such as the code of conduct, transparency pact, instructional materials, and recommendations for national and regional forum representation. Read: ACC to investigate allegations of corruption in Third Terminal Project During the workshop, entrepreneurs of Khulna highlighted that unlike in other countries, entrepreneurs in our country do not follow the practice of preparing initial documentation and necessary paperwork before starting a business. This habit needs to change, especially for online businesses. To avoid corruption, it is essential to complete all processes related to trade licenses and taxes before starting a business, they said. They also mentioned that due to the complexities and high renewal fees associated with obtaining and renewing trade licenses, there is a tendency to issue new trade licenses, which need urgent resolution. Ensuring women's empowerment in obtaining bank loans is also crucial, said the participants. They called for the inclusion of advance payment for showroom rent in the toolkit and the determination of specific fees for it. The discussion also brought up the suggestion to launch training programmes through forums to enhance business skills. The need to reduce the influence of syndicates in business was emphasized. Read more: AL drowned nation in corruption and misrule: Jamaat Ameer Some entrepreneurs in online businesses are selling products at such low prices that it creates inconsistency for the same products being sold offline, the participants observed. This competitive aspect has been proposed to be included in the toolkit.

Britain’s anti-corruption minister resigned on Tuesday amid a controversy over links to her aunt, ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tulip Siddiq said that she was quitting as economic secretary to the Treasury, saying the issue was becoming “a distraction from the work of the government.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been under growing pressure to remove Siddiq from her post since she referred herself to the U.K. government’s ethics watchdog following reports that she lived in London properties linked to her aunt. Hasina was ousted last year after weeks of protests. Starmer said he was sad to see Siddiq go, adding that the independent adviser on ministerial interests, Laurie Magnus, “has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part.” Siddiq, who is responsible for tackling corruption in financial markets, was named last month in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh against Hasina. The investigation alleged that Siddiq’s family was involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of money were said to have been embezzled. Read: Tulip Siddiq questioned in UK over graft allegation