Report Says Corruption Acts as Hidden Tax on Bangladesh's Poor

A report says corruption makes it harder and more expensive for people in Bangladesh to get public services.

A survey found that many households experienced corruption, and many had to pay bribes.

The estimated bribes added up to Tk 126.33 billion during the period studied.

Most households that paid bribes said they could not get the service without paying.

More than half of those surveyed did not know how to report corruption.

Only a small share of people who encountered it filed a formal complaint.

Many who stayed silent thought corruption was unavoidable or that complaining would not help.

Poorer households spent a bigger share of their income on these payments than wealthier households.

Analysts say this makes corruption like a hidden tax that weighs more heavily on people with less money.