More than a year and a half after the fall of Bangladesh’s authoritarian regime, most promised legal, judicial, political, administrative and institutional reforms remain largely unimplemented, according to a new assessment released by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday (2 February).
The report, titled “One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Outcomes,” found that while reform agendas were widely discussed and several commissions were formed, progress has remained mostly limited to announcements rather than concrete implementation — creating a widening gap between public expectations and realities on the ground.
The study reviewed reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government and other stakeholders between 5 August 2024 and 31 January 2026, covering key areas including justice, state reform, elections, anti-corruption, democracy and good governance.
According to TIB, the assessment was based on government circulars, ordinances and regulations (both draft and final), media reports, opinion pieces, expert analyses, interviews with political actors, journalists, researchers, students and civil society representatives, as well as official and non-government sources.
Local government reforms stalled
The report said structural reforms in crucial areas such as constitutional governance, the judiciary, law enforcement, election administration and local government have seen little tangible progress.
Local government reform was identified as one of the most neglected sectors. 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.
Limited progress on anti-corruption
The study found only limited advancement in anti-corruption reforms. Despite repeated commitments to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), concerns persist over its independence and effectiveness.
While investigations into some high-profile corruption cases have begun, visible outcomes remain scarce, reinforcing public 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.
Warning over election violence
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 take firm action to prevent 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 over whether justice was being served or retaliation was taking place. He stressed that accountability must ensure fair trials for those involved in 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 the interim government’s commitment to ensuring a free and safe press.
Public administration reforms lag
According to the report, the government identified 18 “urgent” recommendations out of 208 proposed by the Public Administration Reform Commission, but progress has been made on only three — renovation of toilets, passport issuance without verification, and holding public hearings.
TIB alleged that the Ministry of Public Administration and the Cabinet Division ignored key reform proposals and instead added measures aimed at protecting bureaucratic interests.
The study further found that promotions continue to be influenced by political loyalty rather than merit, experience or skill. 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 among serving officers awaiting promotion.
Bi-party dominance, anti-corruption gaps
The report said the interim government has failed to depoliticise the administration, arguing that the monopoly of the previous era has been replaced by a “bi-party dominance.”
It also warned that excessive dominance of the administration cadre has led to grade-based and inter-cadre discrimination, while chaos and indecisiveness within public administration are negatively affecting development activities.
On anti-corruption efforts, TIB said investigations into 249 high-profile individuals have shown little progress, while initiatives to recover laundered funds and curb widespread graft remain ineffective.
Although disclosure of assets by advisory council members was promised, no information has been made public. Asset declarations of government officials, though recorded, have not been verified, the report added.
Health sector reforms lag behind
TIB found that of more than 400 recommendations made by the Health Reform Commission, 33 were marked as urgent, but only six have been implemented so far.
The report highlighted persistent issues such as rising medical costs, corruption in procurement, and alleged influence of physician groups over postings, transfers and recruitment. It also said the government has failed to ensure proper treatment for those injured during the anti-discrimination movement.
Some progress was noted, including plans to promote around 7,000 doctors through incentives in specific cases, a 30 percent increase in trainee allowances, and proposals to establish a nationwide pharmacy network at government hospitals.
Source: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)
Published: 2 February 2026