Bangladesh’s anti-corruption drive has come under renewed scrutiny as nearly 50 percent of defendants in Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) cases have been acquitted in trial courts over the past ten months, raising questions about weak investigations, political influence, and systemic inefficiencies in corruption prosecution. Data obtained from the ACC shows that between January and October 2025, a total of 228 corruption cases were disposed of in trial courts across the country. Among these, 122 cases (51%) resulted in convictions, while 103 cases (49%) saw defendants walk free. The remaining cases include 10 disposed of on procedural grounds and one withdrawn by prosecutors.
The numbers reflect a noticeable decline in the ACC’s conviction rate, which between 2020 and 2023 remained between 60 percent and 72 percent, according to ACC records. Analysts warn that such a drop in convictions may undermine the credibility of anti-corruption efforts at a time when public demand for accountability is stronger than ever.
A sharp decline in convictions: In 2024, trial courts disposed of 295 ACC cases, with 157 acquittals and 138 convictions. Of these, special judge courts in Dhaka delivered verdicts in 99 cases, while 196 cases were decided in courts outside Dhaka. This year’s data indicates a continuation of that trend. However, the acquittal rate is higher, reinforcing concerns about prosecution quality and the overall integrity of the judicial process.
During the past ten months, fines collected from convicted defendants amounted to Tk 5,053 crore, while an additional Tk 321 crore worth of assets were ordered confiscated-a significant sum but overshadowed by the number of acquittals. ACC’s latest internal statistical review (October 2025) shows 3,451 corruption cases currently in different courts. Of these: 3,047 cases are under trial, 404 cases are stayed by higher courts, 874 cases are ongoing in Dhaka. 2,173 cases are under trial outside the capital. A total of 171 cases from the former Bureau of Anti-Corruption era remain pending, while 161 similar cases have been stayed through various judicial orders.
Why are so many defendants being acquitted: Lack of evidence and weak investigations, ACC’s Dhaka court lawyer Mir Ahmed Ali Salam told Daily Industry that many of the disposed cases are old and lacked sufficient evidence due to delays, loss of witnesses, and poor documentation.”Several cases were very old. We could not secure consistent witness testimonies or proper evidence, and therefore many defendants were acquitted,”- Mir Ahmed Ali Salam, ACC Prosecutor. Legal experts argue that this problem is systemic, not new. Political shifts influencing outcomes: ACC’s former Director General (Legal & Prosecution), Md Moidul Islam, stated that political transitions have historically influenced corruption trials. “Political changes always leave a mark on corruption cases. We saw it after the 1/11 government when many cases were quashed once the new administration took power. We are seeing similar patterns again now, as numerous defendants are getting acquitted in trial courts,”- Moidul Islam, Former DG, ACC. He added that such patterns weaken institutional integrity and send a dangerous message to corrupt individuals who expect leniency after political changes.
Experts raise alarm over declining accountability: Anti-corruption campaigners, legal analysts, and governance experts are concerned that the declining conviction rate reflects deeper problems in the justice system-ranging from investigation gaps to political interference.
Weak institutional capacity: According to governance analyst and retired judge Shamsul Bari, the ACC must urgently modernize its investigative techniques and improve evidence-gathering capacity. He notes that corruption cases often hinge on financial trails, procurement irregularities, and bank documents that require expert forensic analysis-expertise that is still limited within the ACC.
“When half of all accused are walking free, it signals a severe weakness in evidence collection and case management. Without stronger institutional capacity, the ACC cannot deliver on its mandate,” - Shamsul Bari, Governance Analyst.
Delays weaken prosecution: Economist and anti-corruption researcher Dr. Tasnim Rahman, speaking to Daily Industry, added that long delays allow witnesses to disappear or change statements. “Corruption cases that take five, ten, or even more years lose both momentum and reliability. Justice delayed is essentially justice denied,”- Dr. Tasnim Rahman, Anti-Corruption Researcher
High acquittals erode public trust: Business leaders also view the trend with concern. A senior member of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) told Daily Industry that persistent acquittals weaken investor confidence. “If corruption prosecution fails to deliver results, the business climate suffers, as corruption raises costs, slows projects, and discourages honest entrepreneurs,”- FBCCI Executive (Name Withheld).
International Anti-Corruption Day: ACC plans awareness programmes: As Bangladesh marks International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 on December 9, the ACC has announced a series of nationwide programmes under the theme: “Youth Unity Against Corruption: Building a Just Future.”
Planned activities: Poster and banner displays across Dhaka’s major intersections, Flag hoisting and national anthem ceremony at ACC headquarters, Human chain at ACC office gate.
Discussion session at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy: Awareness programmes in districts and upazilas, including film screenings and rallies. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the main event, while eminent economists such as Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and Dr A.K. Enamul Haque will speak at the central discussion session.
Bangladesh has been observing the day officially since 2017, following the UN Convention Against Corruption adopted in 2003. A turning point for Bangladesh’s anti-corruption agenda. The rising acquittal rate in ACC cases has sparked a national debate about the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, judicial reforms, and political neutrality in prosecution.
Experts argue that unless the ACC: strengthens investigations, ensures political independence, modernizes evidence-gathering tools, speeds up trials, and improves witness protection, Bangladesh will continue to struggle in ensuring accountability. The data underscores a sobering reality: despite public demand for transparency, nearly half of corruption defendants in Bangladesh are still walking free. For many, this is a sign that the fight against corruption is far from being won-and urgent reforms are needed to restore faith in the justice system.
