Transparency International Bangladesh Measuring Corruption in Bangladesh: Can Communication Work? Iftekhar Zaman Executive Director Transparency International Bangladesh Presented at the DAC Heads of Information Conference 2006 on “The Aid Agenda: Corruption, Governance & Aid Effectiveness – Communicating the Big Issues”. Canberra, May 2006.

Transparency International Bangladesh Bangladesh: Remarkable Social Progress Steady economic growth (5-6 %) since 1990s Decline in population growth (2.5 in 80s to 1.7 in ) Primary education enrollment from 72% in 1980 to 98% in 2001 Infant mortality from 145 in 1970 to 46 in 2003 per 1000 live births Child mortality from 239 to 69 per 1000 during the same Share of population in poverty from 59 in 1990 to 50% in 2000 Food security markedly increased – near self-sufficiency All these gains achieved despite widely acknowledged governance failures

Transparency International Bangladesh Corruption – the key problem Corruption – a global challenge More than bribery - Abuse of power for private gain - power in the government & outside; economic, political and social power. Increases poverty and injustice Prevents development and rule of law Undermines democracy and governance Distorts market and stifles economic growth Breeds crimes, social frustration, discontent and insecurity

Transparency International Bangladesh CORRUPTION: Bias against the poor Corruption - a key challenge against development in Bangladesh, and a major political issue More than Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) - acknowledged across political spectrum Opportunity Cost – about 3 percent higher growth was possible –Diverts investment and discourages development partnership - exclusion of Bangladesh from US MCA attributed to corruption. –75% of more than $35 billion received since independence have been estimated to have been lost for corruption The poor are directly affected - access to essential services such as education, health, justice and individual safety has become a function of the capacity to make unauthorized payments. Main impediment to meeting the PRS and MDG.

Transparency International Bangladesh Corruption: Preventing access to education

Transparency International Bangladesh Corruption: Preventing access to health service

Transparency International Bangladesh Corruption: Preventing law enforcement

Transparency International Bangladesh Household Income lost to bribery

Transparency International Bangladesh FIGHTING CORRUPTION The key challenge – linkage with power. Complete eradication of corruption is not a realistic proposition. Strengthening of key institutions – the national integrity system is the prerequisite backed by highest level political will and preparedness to act without fear or favour.

Transparency International Bangladesh The National Integrity System a) Parliament – Standing Committees b) Central Role of the Executive c) Neutral and non-political public service commission – Public Service Code of Ethics - Accountability, Rigorously practiced Conflict of Interest policy d) Transparent & Competitive Public Procurement e) High Standards in Financial Management f) Competitive and Socially Responsible Private Corporate Sector g)Independent Judiciary h)Professional Law Enforcement Institutions - Police h) The Auditor General

Transparency International Bangladesh i) Independent Anti-Corruption Institution, laws – effectiveness & enforcement j) Empowered local government k)Independent Election Commission capable of delivering free and fair election l)An Independent and Free Media - Access to Information m)The Ombudsman n) The Civil Society – citizen’s voice and citizen’s movement o) International Actors and Mechanisms – UN Convention

Transparency International Bangladesh TI-Bangladesh: Creating Demand by Measuring Corruption – Does it Work? Household surveys Diagnostic Studies National Integrity System Monitoring –ParliamentWatch, CourtWatch Report Cards – citizen’s response Corruption Database

Transparency International Bangladesh Measuring Corruption - Does it Work? Research-Plus –Work with the Government for p olicy reform and institutional change – Dissemination for awareness and opinion building through media campaign – TVC, adverts, bill- boards, posters, stickers, etc.

Transparency International Bangladesh Engage Citizens Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) Lead public awareness & participation campaign –Seminars, workshops, rallies, roundtables, specific events/days Inform and advise the public Engage public officials & representatives in motivational and specific action-oriented activities Creating “Islands of Integrity” - Report Cards as tools

Transparency International Bangladesh Build Constituencies Working with media, CSO/NGOs, development partners Memberships, Friends, Fellowships, Internships Engaging the youth - volunteers groups, theatre & other cultural groups; students for civic education.

Transparency International Bangladesh In Lieu of a Conclusion To fight corruption requires highest level political commitment for courageous action without fear or favour. Where the political commitment is weak, and institutions are not functioning independently and effectively – create demand: inform, communicate and campaign for a social movement.

Transparency International Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh