Corruption rose in Bangladesh: TI

Bangladesh's ranking has fallen in the Corruptions Perception Index 2014 prepared by the Transparency International.

The anti-corruption group published the index covering 175 countries and regions on Wednesday.

Bangladesh has ranked 145 with a score of 25 out of 100. Last year it was at 123 out of 177 countries and region with a score of 27.

The index suggests Bangladesh to be the 14th most corrupt country.

The anti-graft body's local chapter Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) launched the report in Dhaka at a media briefing on Wednesday.

"The rise of corruption in the country is alarming. In this scenario, the government needs to adopt stern measures to implement its pledge to fight corruption," said TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

He said that Bangladesh has scored 25 whereas the global average is 43. Among the seven South Asian countries Bangladesh's position is above only one country, he added.

Denmark ranked at the top of the list as the least corrupt country scoring 92 followed by New Zealand and Finland.

With a score of eight, Somalia and North Korea have been ranked as the most corrupt.

Meanwhile, Guinea, Kenya, Laos and Papua New Guinea also remained at par with Bangladesh, each scoring 25.

TIB officials told the media briefing that the index was prepared analysing facts collected between Feb, 2011 and Aug, 2014.

Scores of 92 countries increased this year, 47 remained same with the rest 36, including Bangladesh scored less than the previous year.