Documented corruption cases involving politicians, officials and the armed forces in Bangladesh. Anti-corruption bodies: Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
A Dhaka special court sentenced Sheikh Hasina to 21 years, seven in each of three cases, over the illegal allocation of government plots in the Purbachal New Town project. Her son and daughter were also sentenced. All were tried in absentia.
The US State Department designated General (retd) Aziz Ahmed, saying he helped ensure improper awarding of military contracts and took bribes for government appointments. He denies the allegations. No Bangladeshi court has ruled on them.
Military ruler H.M. Ershad resigns after mass protests; corruption cases follow.
OutcomeConvicted in the Janata Tower case; acquitted in others
Bangladesh is ranked the most corrupt country on Transparency International's index.
OutcomeLast place five years running, 2001–2005
An independent commission replaces the old anti-corruption bureau.
OutcomeStill in force
A military-backed interim government arrests politicians and businesspeople, including both main party leaders.
OutcomeMany cases later dropped or overturned
The World Bank cancels a $1.2bn loan, alleging a bribery conspiracy.
OutcomeA Canadian court acquits the accused executives in 2017
A little-known group draws thousands of crores of taka from state-owned Sonali Bank using fake documents.
OutcomeBank officials and company owners prosecuted
Former PM Khaleda Zia is jailed over misuse of foreign donations to a charity.
OutcomeAcquitted by the Supreme Court in January 2025
An Al Jazeera investigation alleges the army chief helped his brothers evade justice.
OutcomeThe government and army reject the report
The US names Gen (retd) Aziz Ahmed for significant corruption.
OutcomeHe denies the allegations; no Bangladeshi court ruling
A Dhaka court orders the seizure of former police and RAB chief Benazir Ahmed's property.
OutcomeAnti-Corruption Commission cases continue
A government committee estimates $234bn left the country illegally in 2009–2023.
OutcomeAsset-recovery efforts under way
Former PM Sheikh Hasina is sentenced in absentia over illegal plot allocations.
Outcome21 years across three cases, November 2025
New cases appear here after fact-check, right of response and editorial approval. Have information? Report from Bangladesh.
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