Bangladesh has scored 24 out of a possible 100 points in Transparency International’s (TI) annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, positioning it as the 13th lowest-scoring country globally. Released on 10 February 2026, the score represents a marginal one-point increase from 2024, yet it underscores a persistent challenge in combating corruption, balancing a positive perception from a ‘July uprising’ against setbacks in governance reforms.

National Performance and Global Standing

With a global ranking of 150th out of 182 countries from the top, Bangladesh’s 2025 CPI score is two points below its own average for the 2012-2025 period. The nation’s performance also falls below the average scores for authoritarian regimes, countries with closed civic spaces, and the Sub-Saharan Africa region. In South Asia, Bangladesh is ranked second lowest, only performing better than Afghanistan. Globally, it sits within the lowest quintile of countries, indicating a “very serious corruption problem,” and is among 50 nations whose standing has significantly worsened since 2012.

Global Trends in Corruption

The CPI 2025 report highlights a concerning worldwide trend, with corruption perceived to be worsening even in countries identifying as democracies. No nation achieved a perfect score, and over 67 percent of the 182 countries assessed scored below 50. Approximately 54 percent of countries scored below the global average of 42, suggesting that more than 80 percent of the world’s population lives with substantial corruption challenges. Overall global scores declined compared to 2024, with 37 percent of countries experiencing a decrease, while only 26 percent showed improvement.

Regional and International Comparisons

Within South Asia, Bhutan continued to be the best performer, scoring 71 points and ranking 18th globally. Other regional scores included India and Maldives both at 39, Sri Lanka at 35, Nepal at 34, Pakistan at 28, and Afghanistan at 17. Internationally, Denmark topped the index with 89 points, followed by Finland, New Zealand, and Norway. At the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan and Somalia recorded the lowest scores, each with 9 points, followed by Venezuela (10), and Eritrea, Libya, and Yemen (each with 11).

Challenges Following the ‘July Uprising’

While the one-point improvement in Bangladesh’s score reflects a positive perception following the ‘July uprising’ that led to the collapse of kleptocracy and raised hopes for “dekleptification,” these aspirations have been largely unmet. The interim administration faced criticism for failing to establish exemplary governmental transparency and accountability, and for a perceived lack of a comprehensive reform strategy. Political and bureaucratic resistance, coupled with an ineffective Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), are cited as factors contributing to the persistence of corrupt practices and “ad-hocism” in governance post-uprising.

Recommendations for Future Governance

To address the systemic corruption issues, analysts suggest that future governments must adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach to institutional reform. Key recommendations include strengthening the independence, accountability, and effectiveness of the ACC. Proposals for the constitutional criminalisation of abuse of power, alongside the implementation of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, Beneficial Ownership Transparency, a Public Register, and conflict of interest management, are highlighted as crucial. Furthermore, the depoliticisation of state institutions, including the judiciary, bureaucracy, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, is deemed essential. Promoting media freedom and ensuring an open civic space are also underscored as vital for controlling corruption and fostering a culture where public office is not viewed as a means for private gain.