Political participation has become power-centric business model: TIB chief

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, has characterised contemporary political participation as a "power-centric business model," signalling growing concerns about the motivations driving political actors in the country. The observation underscores a troubling trend where access to political platforms appears linked to economic interests and personal profit rather than genuine democratic engagement or public service principles.

The remarks suggest that within Bangladesh's political landscape, participation at various levels has become increasingly transactional. Rather than representing constituencies or advancing policy objectives, political involvement frequently serves as a conduit for wealth accumulation and influence-peddling among connected individuals. This pattern extends across multiple tiers of governance and political party structures.

Transparency International Bangladesh, a leading civil society watchdog, has long documented the intersection of political power and financial corruption in the country. Iftekharuzzaman's latest assessment reflects the organisation's continued monitoring of how democratic institutions function in practice, beyond formal constitutional frameworks. The characterisation highlights systemic challenges that undermine public confidence in political institutions and democratic processes.

The concerns raised by the anti-corruption advocate resonate with broader discussions among analysts and civil society groups about the quality of democratic participation in South Asia. As Bangladesh navigates its political trajectory, questions about the alignment of political engagement with genuine democratic values remain central to ongoing debates about institutional reform and governance standards.