Civil Service Integrity for SDGs in Bangladesh: Unpacking the Bureaucratic Perspectives

Examining the global significance of integrity in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this chapter aims to explore the background of the National Integrity Strategy (NIS) to combat corruption in Bangladesh and its resulting consequences. Based on the insights of the key informants and the literature review, the chapter highlights the strong connection between integrity and the overall governance trajectory of a country. Hence, it is crucial to consider the nature and quality of political governance when addressing corruption and integrity issues. The case study from Bangladesh emphasizes that the NIS has limited impact on tackling the underlying issues of integrity concerns, which can have implications for the country’s overall development, including the achievement of the SDGs. In the end, the chapter asserts that combating corruption necessitates unwavering political dedication. Relying solely on technocratic methods like the NIS is insufficient to provide a long-term solution.