Almost 97% of lawmakers in Bangladesh were found involved in “negative activities” and 70% in virtual “criminal acts”, a watchdog has revealed.

A study conducted by the Berlin-based Transparency International (TIB) said that most of the lawmakers are influencing administrative decisions in an undue manner, controlling educational institutions, misusing development allocations, supporting or getting involved with criminal activities and influencing public procurement.

“These MPs are involved in negative activities while doing development work apart from their main responsibility as they consider their membership in parliament as a source of profitable earning,” Gulf News quoted TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman, as saying.

The study, carried out on 149 of the total 350 lawmakers, showed 70.6% were involved in criminal activities.