Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. The historic mass uprising of 2024, driven by youth and civil society, was fundamentally a demand for justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The people expected a clear break from authoritarian practices and the establishment of a governance system that serves citizens rather than powerful interests. Yet, assessments from the first 100 days of the new government reveal a mixed picture: while some reform pledges have been initiated, "old practices remain" in many critical areas.[1]

This article examines Bangladesh's current rule of law landscape—focusing on judicial independence, corruption, human rights institutions, and citizen participation—through the lens of legal analysis and the expectations of the Bangladeshi people. It draws on verified reports from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), and other authoritative sources to present a balanced assessment of progress and persistent challenges.

Core thesis: The rule of law in Bangladesh is at a crossroads. Significant institutional reforms—particularly judicial autonomy and the strengthening of human rights mechanisms—offer hope. However, the repeal of key judicial independence ordinances, pervasive corruption, and partisan administrative practices threaten to undermine the very foundations of accountable governance that citizens demand.

I. Judicial Independence: A Story of Progress and Regression

The judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law. In recent years, Bangladesh witnessed historic strides toward judicial independence. The declaration of the Judicial Reform Roadmap on 21 September 2024, and the subsequent promulgation of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025, marked a transformative moment: for the first time, the Supreme Court gained full administrative and financial autonomy, free from executive interference.[2][3] Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed described this as "an unequivocal commitment to restoring judicial independence in its fullest meaning and strengthening public trust in the justice system".[3]

However, in a deeply concerning reversal, the government later repealed both the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance and the Supreme Court Judges' Appointment Ordinance.[4][5] Legal experts and human rights defenders have condemned this as a "regressive step" and an "ominous sign" for judicial independence.[6] Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, a retired High Court judge, warned that these repeals undermine the separation of powers and erode the constitutional role of the judiciary.[6]

"An independent judiciary safeguards human rights, ensures the separation of powers, and fosters an environment conducive to economic and social development. Judges must be shielded from undue influence while remaining answerable for their misconduct." – Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury[6]

Speakers at a citizens' dialogue further noted that a two-thirds parliamentary majority has historically been a "curse" for Bangladesh, enabling constitutional amendments and political interference in the judiciary. The repeal of the Enforced Disappearance Prevention Ordinance has also drawn sharp criticism, with activists describing enforced disappearance as "state terror" and warning that its suspension gives law enforcement a "licence for such practices".[7]

Key concern: The repeal of judicial independence ordinances, despite public support expressed through a referendum, signals a retreat from reform pledges and raises questions about the government's commitment to an independent judiciary.

II. Corruption: A Persistent Barrier to Justice

Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the rule of law in Bangladesh. According to Transparency International Bangladesh's "Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2025," a total of Tk 12,633.20 crore (over Tk 126 billion) was paid in bribes across various service sectors in a single year (November 2024 to October 2025).[8][1] The highest incidence of bribery was reported at the passport office (76.6%), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (63.5%), and law enforcement agencies (69.4%).[8]

76.6%
Passport office bribery rate[8]
Tk 12,633.20cr
Total bribes paid in one year[8]
81.5%
Households believe services impossible without bribes[8]
61.3%
Victims of corruption did not complain[9]

The survey also found that rural households are more likely to face bribery (66%) than urban ones (58.5%), and low-income households are forced to pay a larger share of their income in bribes.[8] Women, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities face even greater difficulties. Alarmingly, while digital services have been introduced in various sectors, they have not proved fully effective in reducing corruption, as service seekers still rely on brokers and middlemen.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been almost non-functional since its chairman and commissioners resigned in March 2025, without being reconstituted within the legally mandated 30 days.[10] TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman warned: "It [inaction regarding the ACC] is telling corrupt people, 'we are protecting you', and telling ordinary people that corruption is normal".[11]

III. Human Rights: Institutional Reform and Implementation Gaps

On a positive note, the government has made efforts to strengthen human rights institutions. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 was drafted with broad stakeholder consultation to enhance the Commission's independence, inclusivity, and accountability, aligning it with the Paris Principles.[12] UNDP and development partners have supported this reform, with UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller noting: "Reform on paper is only the beginning. Its implementation will be the true test".[12]

However, the progress on paper has not yet translated into operational reality. The NHRC has yet to be fully operationalised under the new Ordinance, with key appointments and resources still pending. Concerns have also been raised about the placement of the Human Rights Commission under government control, which could shift investigative authority back to the home ministry, allowing police to investigate allegations against themselves.[7]

Citizen perception: Only 27.24% of citizens feel they can influence government decisions, according to the Citizen Perception Survey 2025.[13] This widespread sense of exclusion from governance underscores the gap between institutional reforms and people's lived experience.

Press freedom and the safety of journalists remain critical concerns. ARTICLE 19 reports a hostile environment for journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors, with threats of killings, physical violence, and harassment. Women journalists face uniquely gendered risks, from workplace harassment to online rape threats and physical attacks. The murder of staff reporter Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur in August 2025 exemplifies the climate of impunity.

IV. Land Governance: Reform Amidst Systemic Corruption

Land administration is a key area where governance failures directly affect citizens' rights. The current system of 99-year leases requires repeated approvals for inheritance, transfer, or loans—creating opportunities for harassment and corruption. In response, the government is reforming the land lease system, with a subcommittee making eight reform proposals, including abolishing the existing approval system to free citizens from "harassment and corruption".

At the same time, the government is digitising land records, scanning survey maps, and establishing online platforms for mutation and land tax payment, with technical assistance from the World Bank. These initiatives aim to make land administration more transparent and accessible.

However, the Citizen Perception Survey 2025 found that 54.92% of citizens paid bribes for land-related services at the Directorate of Registration.[13] This indicates that while reforms are underway, their impact has not yet reached ordinary citizens.

V. The People's Expectations: A Demand for Accountable Governance

The expectations of the Bangladeshi people, as articulated in the 2024 uprising and subsequent surveys, centre on fundamental governance reforms:

  • Judicial Independence: Citizens demand an independent judiciary free from executive interference, with transparent appointments and full administrative autonomy.
  • Anti-Corruption: The people expect a functional Anti-Corruption Commission with investigative powers, and an end to impunity for corrupt officials.
  • Human Rights Protection: There is a call for the full operationalisation of the NHRC, the prevention of enforced disappearance, and protection for journalists and human rights defenders.
  • Land and Service Delivery: Citizens demand transparent, corruption-free service delivery, particularly in land administration, passport offices, and law enforcement.
  • Citizen Participation: With only 27.24% feeling able to influence government decisions, there is a strong demand for inclusive and responsive governance.[13]
"The 2024 uprising was meant to transform the state, not just change individuals. If the previous system remains intact, then any individual could eventually become another Hasina." – Hasnat Abdullah, MP[14]

Development partners, including the UNDP and the governments of Sweden and Switzerland, have committed to supporting justice sector reforms. The Support to Transforming Bangladesh's Rule of Law Services project, with funding from Sweden, focuses on judicial independence, prosecutorial reform, and improving access to justice for women, youth, and marginalized communities.

VI. Conclusion: The Path Forward

Bangladesh's rule of law landscape is marked by a complex interplay of reform progress and regression. The institutional achievements—the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, the NHRC Ordinance, and the Judicial Reform Roadmap—represent significant steps forward. However, the subsequent repeal of key judicial independence ordinances, the non-functional Anti-Corruption Commission, and pervasive corruption in service delivery threaten to undo these gains.

For the rule of law to be restored and the expectations of the people to be met, the following actions are imperative:

  • Restore and strengthen judicial independence by enacting robust legislation on Supreme Court appointments and the judicial secretariat, ensuring the judiciary has full administrative and financial autonomy.
  • Reconstitute the Anti-Corruption Commission with independent leadership and investigative powers, and ensure the prosecution of corruption cases without political interference.
  • Operationalise the NHRC under the new Ordinance, appoint Commissioners through a transparent process, and ensure the Commission has adequate resources to protect and promote human rights.
  • Implement land and service delivery reforms effectively, ensuring that digitisation reduces corruption and that citizens no longer have to pay bribes for essential services.
  • Enact the Enforced Disappearance Prevention Ordinance and ensure accountability for past violations, as a signal that state terror will not be tolerated.[7]
Author's note: The rule of law is not an abstract ideal—it is the foundation upon which the rights, dignity, and prosperity of the people rest. The people of Bangladesh have demonstrated their commitment to justice through the 2024 uprising. It is now the responsibility of the government to honour that commitment by building institutions that are independent, accountable, and truly serve the public interest. As TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman observed, 100 days is not enough to assess a government that inherited a "political and authoritarian mess".[15] But the direction of travel matters. The reversal of key reforms signals a retreat that the people will not accept.