Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said that while the BNP-led government has taken some encouraging steps during its first 100 days in office, significant concerns remain over governance, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts.
The anti-corruption watchdog unveiled its observation report, titled “The First 100 Days of the Post-Election Government: Implementation of Commitments to Establish Good Governance and Combat Corruption,” at a press conference in the capital on Sunday.
According to TIB, the July uprising and the 13th parliamentary election had raised public expectations for a state governed by transparency, accountability, and integrity. Although the government came to power with strong public support and pledged to reform state institutions and curb corruption, the organisation said more visible and effective measures are needed to fulfil those commitments.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the government had fallen short of several electoral promises. He particularly criticised the appointment of party-affiliated individuals as administrators in city corporations and 42 district councils, arguing that the move contradicted commitments to impartial governance.
The report noted that the government assumed office amid multiple challenges, including economic instability, high inflation, mounting debt pressures, weaknesses in the banking sector, law-and-order concerns, and energy shortages. While acknowledging initiatives to address some of these issues, TIB said progress in ensuring good governance has remained limited.
Among the government’s positive measures, TIB highlighted decisions by ministers to refrain from accepting duty-free vehicles and government plots, avoid state protocol privileges, introduce performance evaluations for ministers, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms across ministries. The organisation described these initiatives as indicators of goodwill.
However, TIB also observed that several government decisions and statements by senior officials appeared inconsistent with both the ruling party’s election manifesto and its 31-point state reform agenda. According to the report, such inconsistencies have raised questions about the government’s commitment to accountability and anti-corruption reforms.
While welcoming the government’s move to convert 97 of the 133 ordinances issued by the interim administration into laws, TIB expressed concern over the repeal or suspension of certain legislation related to judicial independence, human rights protection, prevention of enforced disappearances, and anti-corruption measures. It warned that these actions could undermine progress in those areas.
The organisation further noted the absence of visible progress in appointing leadership to key constitutional and statutory bodies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and Information Commission, describing the delay as a potential long-term risk.
The report also criticised what it termed a “now it is our turn” mentality within sections of the ruling party and alleged politically motivated appointments and postings in the police, civil administration, banking sector, educational institutions, and local government bodies. Such practices, TIB said, run counter to the government’s electoral pledges.
Despite the government’s declared zero-tolerance stance on law and order, the organisation said extortion, drug trafficking, theft, robbery, and undue influence across various sectors continue. It further alleged that some of these activities benefit from political and administrative patronage.
TIB also expressed concern over attacks on religious and cultural diversity. According to the organisation, the spread of communal and intolerant tendencies is a warning sign for the country’s pluralistic tradition.
According to statistics cited in the report, March and April saw 605 murders, 294 snatching incidents, 90 robberies, and 196 abductions. During the same period, 129 attacks on police personnel and 2,214 thefts were recorded. The report also documented 3,496 incidents of violence against women and children.
It further stated that between 78 and 102 people were raped during the period under review, including 30 to 36 victims of gang rape, while 49 to 71 children were subjected to rape.
Summing up its assessment, TIB said the government’s first 100 days have been marked by both promise and concern. While several initiatives have generated optimism, the absence of a clear roadmap and meaningful institutional reforms to strengthen governance, curb corruption, and establish a fully accountable state system remains a major challenge.