57% businessmen believe bribery is common: CPD

Businesses are facing increasing difficulties in the country. 57.1% of businesses now believe bribery is common in tax-related interactions, up from 47.8% in 2021, according to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). 

An executive opinion survey (EOS) report of the CPD, assisted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) found this reality. Information for the survey was collected from executives in the service, industry, and agriculture sectors between April to June of this year. 

The report, titled "Reform in Bangladesh's Business Environment and Business Processes: Agenda for the Interim Government," was presented at an event at the Brac Centre Inn in Dhaka on Sunday. CPD's Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun presented the report. 

The survey was led by CPD's Research Director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem. He said the real picture of bribery may be more severe than what was found in the survey. Executives who took part in the survey spoke about 17 problems in conducting business in the country.