Current Situation: In our country, there are existing laws against bribery, but it is evident that officials continue their corrupt practices by accepting bribes. As a result, general people cannot work in government offices without paying bribes. The tendency to take bribes has increased significantly, reaching every level of office, from clerks to top-level officers. All bribe money is shared among higher-ranking officials. This corruption is fueled by political interference, including ministers and members of parliament. Problem: Due to bribery, the country’s general economy and employment opportunities are being harmed. Ordinary people cannot afford to pay bribes and cannot get their work done in offices. This practice is tarnishing the country’s image internationally. Proposal: If any officer or staff member of any department is caught taking bribes and proven guilty by primary witnesses, they should face a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of the death penalty. Constitutionally friendly and public-serving laws must be implemented. The judiciary should maintain accurate administrative records to ensure proper execution of these laws. To implement this law effectively, all obstacles must be addressed properly, and legal provisions must be enacted systematically. Government roles in appointments, transfers, and dismissals should align with these laws to enable enforcement. Benefits: If this law is passed and implemented, bribery in offices will be eliminated. All departments will function efficiently and fairly. The public will be able to work in offices without fear of corruption and exercise their rightful claims. Merit-based employment will become the norm. Qualified individuals will get their deserved opportunities, and the country’s development process will accelerate.

Police often arrest bribers but release them after a few days. In many cases, bribers receive support from police, backed by political MPs or ministers. Such protection has caused bribery to increase over time. Government and party members’ involvement in bribery is worsening the situation, while unsafe vehicles on the roads due to bribery are causing an increase in accidents. Bribery is also leading to wastage in construction and road-related work. Problem: The absence of a direct punishment system for bribers is causing bribery to rise consistently. People across the country are unable to conduct business properly due to bribery. There is no effective safety mechanism for the general public. Middle-class citizens are increasingly suffering. Many entrepreneurs are being forced to shut down their businesses. Road-related inconveniences and public discomfort are escalating. Foreign and expatriate investors may avoid investing in the country due to the prevalence of bribery. Proposal: To eliminate bribery from Bangladesh, anyone caught red-handed with a primary witness must face punishment ranging from a minimum of 10 years to the death penalty. This law must be fully implemented. A secure punishment system must be established. If any individual is proven to engage in bribery based on verified evidence from law enforcement, they should face severe penalties. No additional power should be granted to law enforcement agencies. Every briber must be held accountable, and proof of guilt must be confirmed. Without interference from government leaders, this proposal can be effectively enforced. Benefits: If implemented, bribery and associated issues will be eradicated from Bangladesh. The general public will be able to live fearlessly. Business owners and investors will operate freely and contribute to the nation’s progress. The proposal will strengthen the country’s economic development.

Our country has several high-quality private medical centers. Examples include Square Hospital, Ibrahim Hospital, Japan-Bangladesh Joint Hospital, LabAid Hospital, etc. The following discusses expanding full-fledged branches of these hospitals in district towns. Current Situation and Problem: Doctors often recommend transferring patients to Dhaka when critically ill. Currently, all major private hospitals in the country are located in Dhaka. Due to traffic congestion in Dhaka and the travel time from patients' homes, their conditions often worsen. As a result, managing one patient's treatment involves increased costs for 4-5 attendants. These hospitals' facilities, along with those of nurses and other staff members, are causing challenges such as the lack of proper school and college admissions for their children, as well as other logistical issues. Proposal: A full-fledged branch of a private top-tier hospital should be established in every divisional city. For example, if a full-fledged branch of Square Hospital is opened in Khulna city and all the facilities available in Dhaka are also provided there, then patients from neighboring districts of Khulna will visit Khulna instead of Dhaka. This will reduce the travel costs for patients and help them remain stable. Often, prolonged travel makes patients more critical, and delays in reaching treatment centers can result in death. On the other hand, the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Square Hospital in Khulna will require good schools and colleges for their children, and those institutions will need to hire teachers, thus increasing employment and economic activities. This will create job opportunities and other facilities in Khulna city. Similarly, full-fledged branches of high-quality hospitals should gradually be opened in all divisional cities in the country. Otherwise, the quality of services in divisional city hospitals will not match that of Dhaka’s hospitals. There must be specific laws to implement these proposals, along with appropriate measures for enforcement. Benefits: If high-quality hospital branches are present in divisional cities, it will enhance healthcare, economic growth, and employment opportunities in divisional cities as well as other districts. Many people from Dhaka will shift to divisional cities, significantly reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka. Expenses will decrease, and patients will receive timely medical treatment.