Non-audit services and auditor independence: Evidence from Big-4-affiliated audit firms in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate the effects of the prohibition of certain non-audit services on the independence of the auditor and based on personal in-depth interviews with the Big 4 auditing firms that are affiliated with local accounting firms in Bangladesh. The approach selected for this research is a qualitative one and has a descriptive and explanatory nature. From this research, it becomes evident that independence has always been a central issue in auditing. All the respondents agreed that the prohibition of non-audit services increase the appearance that the auditing firms are independent. The findings of this paper present an apparent picture of the field of auditing in Bangladesh. It will also guide the researchers for future investigations.