Bangladesh Ranks 13th Lowest in World on Corruption Index

Bangladesh has been ranked 13th lowest in the world in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)-2025. This index measures how corrupt a country’s public sector is perceived to be. A lower numerical rank in the CPI means higher perceived corruption compared to other countries. The findings were released by Transparency International, a global anti-corruption organisation.

What the Corruption Perceptions Index Is

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is published every year by Transparency International. It ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sectors are considered by experts and business people. The index uses a score (from 0 to 100) — where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean.

Where Bangladesh Stands

In the latest 2025 index, Bangladesh was placed 13th lowest among the countries surveyed. This indicates that many people believe corruption in its public institutions is widespread and the perception of corruption is comparatively high.

Why This Rank Matters

Strong perceptions of corruption can harm a country’s:

Investment climate — Investors may avoid markets with high corruption risks.

Economic growth — Corruption can increase costs, reduce efficiency, and weaken trust in institutions.

Governance and public trust — Citizens may lose confidence in government, law enforcement, and public services.

A poor ranking highlights the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and reforms to improve transparency and accountability.

Global Context

In the CPI, many developed and democratic countries score higher (less perceived corruption), while several developing countries, including Bangladesh, struggle with lower scores. Bangladesh’s ranking shows that it remains behind many nations in controlling corruption within its public sector.

Top 5 Least Corrupt Countries

Denmark – Ranked 1st with the highest transparency and strong public institutions.

Finland – Known for clean governance and strong rule of law.

New Zealand – High accountability and low misuse of public power.

Norway – Transparent administration and effective anti-corruption systems.

Singapore – Strict laws and efficient governance reduce corruption.

Bottom 5 Most Corrupt Countries

South Sudan – Ranked lowest due to conflict, weak institutions, and poor governance.

Somalia – Long-term instability and fragile state structures.

Venezuela – Political crisis and weak accountability mechanisms.

Syria – Ongoing conflict and institutional breakdown.

Yemen – War and governance collapse leading to high corruption perception.

India’s Rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025:

India is ranked 91st out of 182 countries and territories on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 with a score of 39 out of 100, showing a slight improvement from its previous position.