Expenses and Corruption

Unlike those nearer home, members of the Bangladesh parliament do not need to fiddle expense claims for "second homes" if their constituencies are distant from the capital city, Dhaka. It's all thanks to the Chinese.

Yes, really.

China has strong links with BD, and has provided accommodation in Dhaka for MPs who have to travel there from distant parts. It's all part of the drive to increase China's influence in Asia. The Chinese have also erected five much-needed "China-Bangladesh friendship bridges" in the country so traffic can cross certain rivers instead of making long detours. Rivers in BD are often wide.

Remember though, BD was until recently ranked the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International, and it's still only a few places down in the list. Some of the things happening there in the name of politics could make your hair curl. Let's just say they tend to involve the use of live ammunition, bully boys ("musclemen") and oodles of bribery. You need boatloads of cash to even get started in local politics, never mind enter the national scene.