Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor, emphasized that corruption has deeply infiltrated the country, posing the greatest threat to Bangladesh’s progress. Speaking at the annual conference of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association in Dhaka, he stressed that corruption is destroying everything and must be eradicated if the nation is to move forward. Highlighting the immense potential of the country, he pointed out that while youth and natural resources are assets, corruption undermines these advantages.

Dr. Yunus urged administrative officials to recognize and address corruption, emphasizing that the nation cannot succeed without rooting it out. He admitted that corruption is pervasive and affects everyone, making speeches meaningless unless the nation becomes committed to honesty.

He called for expanding online systems to minimize corruption and ensure transparency, urging officials to fully implement online services where they already exist. He noted that the international community wants Bangladesh to be corruption-free, as business and trade relationships remain hindered by dishonesty. Stressing the importance of prioritizing national interests over personal gains, he appealed for a shift in mindset.

Drawing comparisons, he highlighted how countries like Singapore and others in Europe eradicated corruption, proving it is possible through collective effort and determination. Dr. Yunus shared his experiences from the UAE, where fraudulent documents, including fake medical certificates, have tarnished the nation’s reputation. He expressed frustration over human trafficking issues, particularly the exploitation of Bangladeshi women in the Middle East, and condemned the societal and systemic failures responsible.

Concluding, he urged for a collective commitment to eliminate corruption, ensuring that neither the government nor society remains complicit in such unethical practices. Without this transformation, he warned, meaningful progress and dignity for the nation will remain unattainable.