Law, development and corruption in Bangladesh

Corruption is a complex set of processes involving human behaviour and many other variables, some of which are difficult to recognize or measure. Corruption is the misuse of public power for private profitâ‚. (Huntington, 1968, p.59). Corruption existed in one form or another since time immemorial and it exists in all societies though in different degrees, whether developed or developingâ‚‚. However, it is very serious in underdeveloped countries. In these countries it is quite pervasive, imbedded, and often is clearly visible at routine levels of administration and political organisation, together with the fact that a chronic scarcity of resources imposes serious strains on citizens and the state, that makes corruption far more serious in its impact on human life and existence. The Inter-Parliamentary Union noted that corruption is a serious threat to the rule of law, the stability and security of societies and the fair distribution of resources since it undermines fundamental democratic values and institutions and jeopardises social, economic and political development and the enjoyment of human rights. There is concern about links between corruption and other forms of crime, particularly organised crime, terrorism, drug-trafficking, money laundering and other economic crimes at both national and international leveI₃. Corruption is so pervasive in Bangladesh like other developing countries that citizens have accepted it as part of their daily life experience. The reason for such helplessness is the presence of corruption in almost all levels of government.