The trade agreement between Bangladesh and India renewed on March 21, 2006 and signed by the then finance minister M Saifur Rahman and Indian commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath in New Delhi is as follow:The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Being conscious of the urge of their two peoples to enlarge areas of mutual co-operation; Desirous of expanding trade and strengthening economic relations between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit; Have agreed as follows: Article I The two Governments recognizing the need and requirement of each other in the context of their developing economies undertake to explore all possibilities, including economic and technical cooperation, for promotion, facilitation, expansion and diversification of trade between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Article II The two Governments agree to take appropriate measures in accordance with the evolving international trading system for mutual benefit of developing countries and least developed countries in so far as such measures are consistent with their individual, present and future development, financial and trade facilitation. Article III The two Governments agree that expansion of their mutual trade exchanges would make an important contribution towards their development. To this end, they agree to take appropriate and special measures during periodic reviews taking into account the asymmetries between the two countries with a view to augmenting and diversifying their mutual trade specially in respect of specific products as may be agreed upon. Article IV All payments and charges in connection with trade between the two countries shall continue to be effected in freely convertible currencies in accordance with the foreign exchange regulations in force in each country from time to time. Article V Imports and exports of commodities and goods produced or manufactured in India or Bangladesh, as the case may be, shall be permitted in accordance with the import, export and foreign exchange laws, regulations and procedures in force in either country from time to time taking into account asymmetries between the two countries. Article VI Each Government shall accord to the commerce of the country of the other Government, treatment no less than that accorded to the commerce of any third country. Article VII The provisions of Article VI shall not prevent the grant or continuance of:- a) Privileges which are or may be granted by either of the two Governments in order to facilitate frontier trade by separate agreement(s) ; b) Advantages and privileges which are or may be granted by either of the respective neighbouring countries; c) Advantages resulting from any customs union, a free trade area or similar arrangements which either of the two Governments has concluded or may conclude in the future. d) Advantages or preferences accorded under any scheme for expansion of trade and economic cooperation among developing countries, which is open for participation by all developing countries, and to which either of the two Governments is or may become a party. Article VIII
The two Governments agree to make mutually beneficial arrangements for the use of their waterways, roadways and railways for commerce between the two countries for passage of goods between two places in one country through the territory of the other. Article IX Each Government will grant merchant vessels of the other country while entering, putting off and lying at its ports the most-favoured- nation treatment accorded by their respective laws, rules and regulations to the vessels under the flag of any third country. Both the Governments agree on the basis of shipper's preference, to utilize to the maximum extent possible, the vessels owned/chartered by shipping organizations of the two countries concerned for shipping cargoes imported or exported under this Agreement at competitive freight rates. Article X The two Governments agree to cooperate effectively with each other to prevent infringement and circumvention of the laws, rules and regulations of either country in regard to matters relating to foreign exchange and foreign trade. Article XI The two Governments agree to accord, subject to their respective laws and regulations, reasonable facilities for the holding of trade fairs and exhibitions and visits of business and trade delegations sponsored by the Government concerned. Article XII In order to facilitate the implementation of this Agreement, the two Governments shall consult each other at least once in a year or earlier as and when necessary, and shall review the working of the Agreement with special attention to the asymmetries between the two countries. Article XIII This amended Agreement shall come into force on the 1st April, 2006. It shall remain in force for a period of three years. It may be extended by a further period of three years by mutual consent subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon. Done in New Delhi, on the 21st March, 2006, in two original copies, each in Hindi, Bangla and English, all the texts being equally authentic. In case of difference, the English text shall prevail. (Kamal Nath) Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of the Republic of India (M. Saifur Rahman) Minister for Finance & Planning, Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh
http://www.thedaily star.net/ story.php? nid=74636
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সোমবার, ৯ ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০০৯
বুধবার, ২১ জানুয়ারি, ২০০৯
Road Map to Good Governance – The Nine I Model
By:Prof.Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez
Author’s e-mail : professorparvez@gmail.com
Cell:01711748748
Fax : 88-031-2550872
Website : www.goodgovernancebd.org
Economic development can not flourish in the absence of good governance. The pre-condition for good governance is effective democratic institutions. What is important for good governance is democratizing the society? Improvement of the living standard of people can not participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow and civil society and the judiciary is weak. We can outline nine criteria of good governance that may be used to determine whether any country qualifies to have good governance. For good governance also predominantly important are institutions like:
1. Independent and non partisan election commission
2. Independent Judiciary and the rule of law
3. Independent media and freedom of speech
4. Independent anti-corruption commission
5. Investing in the people
6. Independent and effective parliament
7. Independent human rights commission
8. Independent ombudsman system
9. Investment friendly environment
I would propose these Nine components to be referred as the Nine I’s of good governance or Nine `I’ model of good governance. These Nine components of good governance should be institutionalized as democratic institutions for democratization the society. In the absence of these Nine I’s good governance in Bangladesh like any other country will be a far city.
These components constitute the foundations of modern democracy and create the underpinning to establish free economy and spur domestic and foreign investment, specially the potential investment of the non resident Bangladeshi (NRB’s) particularly in the case of Bangladesh.
It is not true that only elections lead to a democracy. Democracy should be a 200-300 pages of home work (Manifesto) of the political parties where they ought to outline their ideas and concept of democracy they want to offer to the citizens in lieu of their votes. The political parties should make it vividly transparent as to how and when they will apply their policies for establishing a democratic society ensuring parity, rule of law, equitable distribution of wealth, social justice, freedom of speech and thought if voted to power. The political philosophy and the commitment of the political parties should be expressed in the form of party manifesto much ahead of elections for empowering the voters so that they can make informed decisions before casting their votes during the elections. In Bangladesh, unfortunately the practice of presenting the manifesto of the political parties are not transparent and as such it may be stated that political commitment of the parties to people is also not transparent which gives the parties a space to shift form their commitments and promise after the election.
Sound politics and their execution are essential pre-condition of development. Good governance necessarity means govern justly, invest in the people and encourages private economic enterprise. To decide whether our country meets these standards must be determined by using specific indicators of performance. A crucial indicator will be evidence that our country practices good and just governance.
Bangladesh is yet to promote principles of good governance and initiative of our civil society reinforces the need for good governance. Through cooperative ventures of our parliament, judiciary, executive organ of the state along with the civil society it is possible to enact policies and design the governance so that human dignity and freedom are allowed to flourish. Some of the principles of good governance date back to the time of ancient Greece. Others are principles developed in more recent years or lessons learned from our own history and that of other democracy practicing societies.
Broadly speaking, good governance promotes fundamental and universal human rights. As per our constitution the political power lies with the people (Article 7). Principles of good governance allow people to pursue their lives in a just, equitable and democratic society. Countries like Bangladesh need the tools to educate their citizens to take part in the opportunities offered by the global economy. We need to work to eradicate corruption and create a renewed respect for human rights as well as constitutional rights.
Perhaps the most basic and important principle of good governance is that a nations political institutions be democratic. In the words of one of America’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a form pf government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” This means that the rights and principles of democratic government can and should be universally applied. They are not a uniquely American invention. The right of every person to speak freely about his government is a basic human right to overcome bad governance and make sure that government by the party, for the politician and nothing for the people be not established. The right of any citizens to express his opinion about his government is one that is supported by the doctrine “Rule by the Ruled” as has been recognized by nations all over the world. Now let us examine the Nine I’s of Good Governance.
Independent and non partisan election commission
Independent and Non partisan election commission is a precondition for free and fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament. Elections however are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the
Will of the people is essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in themselves. One of the indicators of good governance is a country’s commitment to citizen’s political rights for functional democracy. It is critical that a nation’s election be free and fair level plane ground. This means that every citizens have a equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Votes have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates background.
Free and fair elections are open and transparent to all people without discrimination based on sex, religion or race. Such elections are not restricted by government interference and coercion by money and muscle. The right to free and fair elections should be guaranteed by independent non partisan election commission having appropriate capabilities and skill to deliver hones acceptable elections. And such elected government can only be held accountable to their citizens. Voters should be able to participate freely in the political process, whether through political parties or independent candidates.
Independent Judiciary and the rule of law
Another criterion of good governance is independent judiciary, important for preserving the rule of law. It is very essential to have a strong judiciary and courts to ensure that a nation’s laws are enforced constantly and fairly. All organs of government must be law abiding. The rule of law also is the basis for the formation of Business enterprise and the establishment of a free market, which underpin economic development. Citizens or their elected representatives should be involved in all levels of lawmaking including the local government. Participation in this process gives people the confidence that the law will protect their property rights and human rights. Respects for the citizens and rights relating to personal privacy are a far cry in a weak democracy like Bangladesh.
Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional limits on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable, periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human rights by a independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people. Accountability is another characteristic that is considered globally for the eligibility when determining whether a country practices good governance.
Not only should the law be enforced, but it should also be enforced fairly and without any sort of discrimination. Good governance means equal protection for all without any discrimination of sex, cast, creeds and race. An open and easy access to judicial and administrative systems. Political and civil rights should not be denied to citizens because of their sex, race or religion. A nation’s courts should not be open to only a select few. Government agencies should allow appeals of regulations as well as citizen participation as well as citizen participation in their decision-making process and citizens should be granted access to these bodies in a timely and easy manner.
Government also have a duty to protect their citizens from criminal violence, especially the practice of trafficking of persons. Women, girls and children are most vulnerable to this illegal trade, which can only be stopped by diligent law enforcement.
Independent media and freedom of speech
To function properly, a democratic society must ensure free exchange of information and ideas. This is best realized in the creation of a free and open media and the freedoms of speech and expression. A free and independent media provides voters with the information they need to make informed decisions. It facilitates the exchange of political discourse, creating an “open place for ideas” where no view is neglected and the best are chosen. Free media can also serve as a check on government power ensuring that bureaucracy, public officials and government departments remain accountable to the voters. The media’s ability to report on trade and industry and the economy is also important for preserving public trust in the free economy and for attracting domestic and foreign investment including the potential investment of the NRB’s. The right of the free media to publish, to editorialize, to criticize and to inform is a fundamental principle of democracy.
Independent Anti-corruption commission:
Good governance also means combating corruption and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscles. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security alike issues. Democratic governments must be sensitive to the citizens’ right to know without any discrimination. Strong laws against corruption, application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a government commitment to this principle.
Investing in the people
Good governance requires that government invest in their people and work to preserve the welfare of their citizens, without regard to gender, race or religion. Government should invest in health care, nutrition, housing, education and poverty elevation, They should ensure an economic environment where people can find jobs and establish business enterprises. Along with other measures, a government’s ability to provide job and a high standard of living for its people is considered by the democratic world in determining governmental effectiveness. The importance of the other Four- I’s i.e. Independent and effective parliament.
Independent Human Rights commission, Independent Ombudsman system, Investment friendly environment could not be discussed here due to limitations of space which I have intention to discuss later in some other articles of mine.
Conclusion
Practicing these components (Nine I’s) of good governance results in a free and open society where people can pursue their hopes and aspiration. This will facilitate the creation of free markets, which are trusted by investors and financial institutions. Good governance is a pre-condition for any economic development. Development can not flourish where people can non participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow and civil society and the judiciary are weak. UNDP and the world Bank among others, have come to realize that focuses only on economic governance at the expense of democratic governance fails. The proof is that, 42 of the 49 high human development countries on the UN Development index are democracies. With few exceptions, all of the world’s richest countries have the world’s most democratic governance.
The fundamental rights and the standard of living of Bangladeshi citizens will be enhanced through the creation of strong democratic society with prosperous economy. All democratic societies have deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy and believe the principles that underlie democratic institutions and vibrant civil society are the best way to achieve sustainable economic development. Governments that govern rationally with the commitment of good governance get support for their reform efforts from their people as well as from the democratic world.
( Author is an Associate Professor of marketing at the University of Chittagong and Chairman, Center for Good Governance. He lectured widely at university of Science and technology.Open University, ABAC Thailand and also in Singapore. Mr. Alam has contributed articles to leading business journals and is also editor of professional journals. His recent administrative post includes Director – Shadharon Bima Corporation, Vice Rector-IIBT (Premier University), Treasure-USTC-SWC, Honorary Special Representative of the President,USTC. Rotarian Syed Ahsanul Alam is a well known acamedician, institution building personality and Governance activist.)
Author’s e-mail : professorparvez@gmail.com
Fax : 88-031-2550872
Website : www.goodgovernancebd.org
Economic development can not flourish in the absence of good governance. The pre-condition for good governance is effective democratic institutions. What is important for good governance is democratizing the society? Improvement of the living standard of people can not participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow and civil society and the judiciary is weak. We can outline nine criteria of good governance that may be used to determine whether any country qualifies to have good governance. For good governance also predominantly important are institutions like:
1. Independent and non partisan election commission
2. Independent Judiciary and the rule of law
3. Independent media and freedom of speech
4. Independent anti-corruption commission
5. Investing in the people
6. Independent and effective parliament
7. Independent human rights commission
8. Independent ombudsman system
9. Investment friendly environment
I would propose these Nine components to be referred as the Nine I’s of good governance or Nine `I’ model of good governance. These Nine components of good governance should be institutionalized as democratic institutions for democratization the society. In the absence of these Nine I’s good governance in Bangladesh like any other country will be a far city.
These components constitute the foundations of modern democracy and create the underpinning to establish free economy and spur domestic and foreign investment, specially the potential investment of the non resident Bangladeshi (NRB’s) particularly in the case of Bangladesh.
It is not true that only elections lead to a democracy. Democracy should be a 200-300 pages of home work (Manifesto) of the political parties where they ought to outline their ideas and concept of democracy they want to offer to the citizens in lieu of their votes. The political parties should make it vividly transparent as to how and when they will apply their policies for establishing a democratic society ensuring parity, rule of law, equitable distribution of wealth, social justice, freedom of speech and thought if voted to power. The political philosophy and the commitment of the political parties should be expressed in the form of party manifesto much ahead of elections for empowering the voters so that they can make informed decisions before casting their votes during the elections. In Bangladesh, unfortunately the practice of presenting the manifesto of the political parties are not transparent and as such it may be stated that political commitment of the parties to people is also not transparent which gives the parties a space to shift form their commitments and promise after the election.
Sound politics and their execution are essential pre-condition of development. Good governance necessarity means govern justly, invest in the people and encourages private economic enterprise. To decide whether our country meets these standards must be determined by using specific indicators of performance. A crucial indicator will be evidence that our country practices good and just governance.
Bangladesh is yet to promote principles of good governance and initiative of our civil society reinforces the need for good governance. Through cooperative ventures of our parliament, judiciary, executive organ of the state along with the civil society it is possible to enact policies and design the governance so that human dignity and freedom are allowed to flourish. Some of the principles of good governance date back to the time of ancient Greece. Others are principles developed in more recent years or lessons learned from our own history and that of other democracy practicing societies.
Broadly speaking, good governance promotes fundamental and universal human rights. As per our constitution the political power lies with the people (Article 7). Principles of good governance allow people to pursue their lives in a just, equitable and democratic society. Countries like Bangladesh need the tools to educate their citizens to take part in the opportunities offered by the global economy. We need to work to eradicate corruption and create a renewed respect for human rights as well as constitutional rights.
Perhaps the most basic and important principle of good governance is that a nations political institutions be democratic. In the words of one of America’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a form pf government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” This means that the rights and principles of democratic government can and should be universally applied. They are not a uniquely American invention. The right of every person to speak freely about his government is a basic human right to overcome bad governance and make sure that government by the party, for the politician and nothing for the people be not established. The right of any citizens to express his opinion about his government is one that is supported by the doctrine “Rule by the Ruled” as has been recognized by nations all over the world. Now let us examine the Nine I’s of Good Governance.
Independent and non partisan election commission
Independent and Non partisan election commission is a precondition for free and fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament. Elections however are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the
Will of the people is essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in themselves. One of the indicators of good governance is a country’s commitment to citizen’s political rights for functional democracy. It is critical that a nation’s election be free and fair level plane ground. This means that every citizens have a equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Votes have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates background.
Free and fair elections are open and transparent to all people without discrimination based on sex, religion or race. Such elections are not restricted by government interference and coercion by money and muscle. The right to free and fair elections should be guaranteed by independent non partisan election commission having appropriate capabilities and skill to deliver hones acceptable elections. And such elected government can only be held accountable to their citizens. Voters should be able to participate freely in the political process, whether through political parties or independent candidates.
Independent Judiciary and the rule of law
Another criterion of good governance is independent judiciary, important for preserving the rule of law. It is very essential to have a strong judiciary and courts to ensure that a nation’s laws are enforced constantly and fairly. All organs of government must be law abiding. The rule of law also is the basis for the formation of Business enterprise and the establishment of a free market, which underpin economic development. Citizens or their elected representatives should be involved in all levels of lawmaking including the local government. Participation in this process gives people the confidence that the law will protect their property rights and human rights. Respects for the citizens and rights relating to personal privacy are a far cry in a weak democracy like Bangladesh.
Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional limits on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable, periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human rights by a independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people. Accountability is another characteristic that is considered globally for the eligibility when determining whether a country practices good governance.
Not only should the law be enforced, but it should also be enforced fairly and without any sort of discrimination. Good governance means equal protection for all without any discrimination of sex, cast, creeds and race. An open and easy access to judicial and administrative systems. Political and civil rights should not be denied to citizens because of their sex, race or religion. A nation’s courts should not be open to only a select few. Government agencies should allow appeals of regulations as well as citizen participation as well as citizen participation in their decision-making process and citizens should be granted access to these bodies in a timely and easy manner.
Government also have a duty to protect their citizens from criminal violence, especially the practice of trafficking of persons. Women, girls and children are most vulnerable to this illegal trade, which can only be stopped by diligent law enforcement.
Independent media and freedom of speech
To function properly, a democratic society must ensure free exchange of information and ideas. This is best realized in the creation of a free and open media and the freedoms of speech and expression. A free and independent media provides voters with the information they need to make informed decisions. It facilitates the exchange of political discourse, creating an “open place for ideas” where no view is neglected and the best are chosen. Free media can also serve as a check on government power ensuring that bureaucracy, public officials and government departments remain accountable to the voters. The media’s ability to report on trade and industry and the economy is also important for preserving public trust in the free economy and for attracting domestic and foreign investment including the potential investment of the NRB’s. The right of the free media to publish, to editorialize, to criticize and to inform is a fundamental principle of democracy.
Independent Anti-corruption commission:
Good governance also means combating corruption and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscles. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security alike issues. Democratic governments must be sensitive to the citizens’ right to know without any discrimination. Strong laws against corruption, application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a government commitment to this principle.
Investing in the people
Good governance requires that government invest in their people and work to preserve the welfare of their citizens, without regard to gender, race or religion. Government should invest in health care, nutrition, housing, education and poverty elevation, They should ensure an economic environment where people can find jobs and establish business enterprises. Along with other measures, a government’s ability to provide job and a high standard of living for its people is considered by the democratic world in determining governmental effectiveness. The importance of the other Four- I’s i.e. Independent and effective parliament.
Independent Human Rights commission, Independent Ombudsman system, Investment friendly environment could not be discussed here due to limitations of space which I have intention to discuss later in some other articles of mine.
Conclusion
Practicing these components (Nine I’s) of good governance results in a free and open society where people can pursue their hopes and aspiration. This will facilitate the creation of free markets, which are trusted by investors and financial institutions. Good governance is a pre-condition for any economic development. Development can not flourish where people can non participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow and civil society and the judiciary are weak. UNDP and the world Bank among others, have come to realize that focuses only on economic governance at the expense of democratic governance fails. The proof is that, 42 of the 49 high human development countries on the UN Development index are democracies. With few exceptions, all of the world’s richest countries have the world’s most democratic governance.
The fundamental rights and the standard of living of Bangladeshi citizens will be enhanced through the creation of strong democratic society with prosperous economy. All democratic societies have deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy and believe the principles that underlie democratic institutions and vibrant civil society are the best way to achieve sustainable economic development. Governments that govern rationally with the commitment of good governance get support for their reform efforts from their people as well as from the democratic world.
( Author is an Associate Professor of marketing at the University of Chittagong and Chairman, Center for Good Governance. He lectured widely at university of Science and technology.Open University, ABAC Thailand and also in Singapore. Mr. Alam has contributed articles to leading business journals and is also editor of professional journals. His recent administrative post includes Director – Shadharon Bima Corporation, Vice Rector-IIBT (Premier University), Treasure-USTC-SWC, Honorary Special Representative of the President,USTC. Rotarian Syed Ahsanul Alam is a well known acamedician, institution building personality and Governance activist.)
Author’s e-mail : professorparvez@gmail.com
Fax : 88-031-2550872
Website : www.goodgovernancebd.org
Good Governance: Role of Individuals Vs. Institutions
By - Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam, Chairman-CGG
Email:professorparvez@gmail.com,Fax:0088-031-2550872,cell:01711748748
Email:professorparvez@gmail.com,Fax:0088-031-2550872,cell:01711748748
In the recent years, Bangladesh made some progress in many areas of economic and social development such as maintaining macroeconomic stability, growth in exports and in remittances, increase in enrolment in primary education, improvements in female's education, reductions in infant and maternal mortality and improvement in women's empowerment. Yet there are growing concerns that Bangladesh 's development prospects are frustrated by bad governance. One does not need to go in the nitty gritty to understand how bad governance affected the economy. Experts tell us that two percent or more of the GDP is lost to corruption and bad governance. Bad governance results to huge loss in economic growth annually. Bad governance and corruption deter investment, waste national resources and disequate allocation and increase insecurity. Moreover, the poor suffer most from the consequences of bad governance and corruption. Amongst the major governance weakness: pervasive corruption, weak governance, absence of monitoring institutions seriously affects economic growth and poverty reduction in the country. Though the methodology used by Transparency International (TI) to measure corruption has been subject to many questions, yet holding the first position in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 5 consecutive years has tarnished the image of Bangladesh .
A. Good Governance: Rule of Law not rule of men or women
Good governance is an extension of the principle of the rule of law. Any society is well-governed when there is a rule of law, not a rule of men or woman. A modern state is extensively governed by rules, regulations and laws, by complex guidelines and instructions, restrictive, prohibitive and penal procedures. Good governance can become myth for the people when the public representatives, bureaucrats and judiciary put rules and regulations aside and start ruling by using political office for personal gains. It has often been seen in history that an elected government may not be democratic but autocratic in practice imposing dictatorship of the head of the government. This can happen even in the parliamentary form of governments. It is ironical that, the democratic world is satisfied if the adults of a country can cast their votes at a periodic interval in a festive mood. But little do they bother whether these festive periodic exercises called election (made in Bangladesh) puts the voter in a helpless coercive situation to choose muscleman or criminals nominated by party A or party B as their representative only to endorse a rule of terrors or criminals.
The basic problem of maintaining rule of law in Bangladesh is the belief of a powerful group of politicians, bureaucrats, elites, business personalities and other persons from other professions, that although all human beings are created equal, they are more than the created equals. Law and judicial systems exist for those who are less equal than them, allowing them to float above the law and the arms of the court are not long enough to reach them. This irony in the day to day affairs of Bangladesh is the breeding ground of corruption, mis-governance and mis-fortune. The search for a policy and system to combat corruption is essentially a search for a leveler, except death which will cut the size of those more-than-equals to their proper size and dimension. If corruption is to be combated, it would have to be addressed both by way of a change of mind set and a change of consequences.
B. Good Governance: People Centric Governance
The broad concept of good governance is the process of governing with maximum participation of the people. Good Governance refers to the broad set of actions that a government undertakes to ensure people centric socio-politico- economic mechanisms to function effectively. Good governance, then, arises from actions of a government which is honest, transparent, accountable, efficient, and institutionally sound. Establishing good governance in Bangladesh requires reforms of the political System, electoral system, state machinery – and institutions to monitor the governance.
Weakness in governance is most visible by rampant corruption in economic and business arena in Bangladesh . To tackle corruption, we cannot just focus on the demand side of corrupt payments; we must also combat the supply side. The government, public sector, private sector, ministers, parliament members as well as individuals were all pre dominantly involved in corrupt practices in Bangladesh . To combat corruption, we must focus on most of the infected organs of the state.
C. Good Governance: Conceptual Framework
A number of multilateral organizations ( e.g. UNDP, World Bank, OECD) and bilateral organizations have emphasized on the elements of good governance and its impact on development. Multilateral organizations generally equate good governance with sound economic management based on (i) Accountability; (ii) Participation; (iii) Predictability and (iv) Transparency.
The concept of good governance has been clarified by the UN's Commission on Human Rights and identified the key attributes of good governance as: 1.Transparency 2.Responsibility 3.Accountability 4.Participation 5.Responsiveness However, there are some bilateral donors who are not satisfied with this narrow economic definition of good governance. They would like at least Five more elements to be included as an essential part of good governance, namely (i) Democratization; (ii) Human Rights; (iii) Rule of Law; (iv)Cuts in Military Expenditure and (v) Probity.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMILIATION STUDIES ( http://www.humiliationstudies.org/intervention/decency.php) stated that: Syed Ahsanul Alam, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Chittagong in his article "Road Map To Good Governance - The Nine 'I' Model " explains that "Democracy cannot flourish in the absence of good governance." He explains: "The pre-condition for good governance is effective democratic institutions for democratizing the society. Improvement of the living standard of people cannot happen where people cannot participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow, and civil society and the judiciary are weak. According to him Nine criteria of good governance may be used to determine whether any country qualifies to have good governance are:
1. INDEPENDENT AND NON PARTISAN ELECTION COMMISSION 2. INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW 3. INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH 4. INDEPENDENT ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION 5. INDEPENDENT AND EFFECTIVE PARLIAMENT 6. INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 7. INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM 8. INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE
9. INVESTMENT FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT."
[Source : http:// http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2007-02-11&hidType=EDT
http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_33979.shtml
http://www.weeklyholiday.net/2007/230307/mis.html
http://bangladeshwatchdog.blogspot.com/2007/02/road-map-to-good-governance-in.html]
During the previous regimes Good governance in Bangladesh was far from the actual consonance of the term. There are several factors and issues that are constraining the very process of good governance. The major factors are i) corruption, ii) politicization of administration, iii) weak democratic institutions, iv) autocratic parliament, v) absence of the rule of law and vi) absence of meritocracy etc.
The ESCAP of the United Nations has emphasized for good governance, the participatory nature of the government and the rule of law. According to this definition, good governance has 8 major characteristics -"It is i) participatory, ii) consensus oriented accountable, iii) transparent, iv) responsive, v) effective, vi) efficient, vii) equitable and viii) inclusive and follows the rule of law." By the rule of law ESCAP means fair legal frameworks and impartial enforcement of laws by an independent judiciary and incorruptible police force.
D. Good Governance: Role of Individual Stakeholders
Everyday policy makers, professionals, business leaders, sociologist, economists and others independently generate amazing number of ideas and thoughts. The reasons that these ideas don't come to fruition is because like-minded reformers do seldom collaborate to bring changes. There are a lot of international and domestic organizations, NGOs, government agencies, opinion leaders and others – that are all individually working on tackling corruption in a piece-meal fashion. A more comprehensive approach to address governance will be more fruitful. Corruption can be marginalized if not eliminated if all stakeholders work together in a coordinated manner against corruption.
Ideas and thoughts are ineffective if not put to actions. Unless what is thought is acted upon, such thought has no value. What is important is the commitment of all the citizens – leaders of respective fields– to take on the challenge of replacing bad governance with that of good governance and to do one's own part to address it in a collaborative manner. Corruption, as in all affairs in society may be viewed from the two sides: a demand side and a supply side . The demand side can only be curbed by reforms of institutions, strengthened enforcement of law by a transparent judiciary. As the owner of the country all citizens are affected by bad governance everyday, and as such they should insist reforms of the legislative, executive and judicial organ of the country. The stake holders of good governance should get united to raise voice against corruption to curve the supply side . Thus the citizens will have to participate in the crusades against corruption and only moral support to the Anti Corruption Commission ( ACC ) is not enough to eliminate corruption.
E. Good Governance: Role of Civil Society
Citizens face potential corruption practically at every level and every sector of life. It could be the local police, T.N.T, electricity and water authority, municipal corporation or the tax department. Government alone cannot succeed in combating corruption without the active participation of civil society and citizen action groups. Civil society is in the best position to articulate the grievances of the citizen and highlight priorities of action on corruption to governments. Civil society can serve many important roles–as observer, critic, analyst, campaigner, or protestor. It can create public awareness against corruption and mobilize citizens to fight against corruption in ways that governments cannot. Civil society can also play a strong role to organize campaigns against corruption.
Civil society organizations, Citizens' action groups, NGOs, media, and Chambers–can play the largest role in improving governance both in the public and private sector. Chambers can be more active by organizing seminars, workshops, round tables to generate awareness against corruption and unethical business practice. Chambers can establish anti corruption cell headed by a vice president with adequate funds to establish liaison with media, anti corruption commission (ACC) and other government agencies to combat corruption and protect its members from extortion and corrupt claims. Mega chambers should formulate code of conduct for their members and put pressure on the members for compliance. Awareness regarding code of conduct for members of chambers would have trickle down effect on smaller business enterprises and so on.
NGOs can keep a pivotal role in raising awareness among the general public about the bad effect of bad governance. Most of our citizens understand that they are victims of corruption at their own level and corrupt governance affects their pocket. NGOs and other social organizations can make coordinated efforts to spread the message that corrupt governance at every level affects the economic development, impair equitable distribution of wealth, destroys social justice and degrades moral of the society. Corruption degrades the dignity of any nation. Researchers and academicians presented reports on how corruption destroyed the foundation of our economy. Mass campaign against corruption should be launched to develop public resistance against corruption and to provoke public support in favor of crusade against corruption by the Anti corruption commission (ACC). ACC should be proactive in setting the agenda and framework through which to engage civil society in the battle against corruption.
F. Good Governance: Role of Private Sector
The private sector can play a more active role in rooting out the supply side of corruption. It is painful that most businessman and citizens looks at corrupt practice as a system. According to unofficial estimates many business house just account for it on their books – as much as 10% – adding to the cost of doing business. Business leaders as well as the government should take initiatives so that local and foreign investors can set up business enterprise and function in Bangladesh without resorting to corruption and extortion. After 1/11/07 the present Anti corruption commission (ACC) visibly started a crusade against corruption which may be looked upon as a proactive move towards investment friendly governance.
Towards good governance the private sector must emphasize on internal controls and auditing mechanisms. Corporate bodies and business houses needs to set clear and enforceable policies against corrupt or unethical business practices. Business house need to periodically train middle and senior management on business ethics to ensure that standards are institutionalized throughout the organization. Business houses should change their mind-set to prefer managers having comprehensive business education with emphasis on ethics. Bangladeshi business managers can not afford to be unaware of global ethical standards for doing business.
G. Good Governance: Role of Institutions
For good governance, existing institutions need to be strengthened by laws and regulations. New regulatory institutions need to be created to address gaps in monitoring governance. Stopping political appointments in institutions like the i) Anti-Corruption Commission, ii) Human Rights Commissions, iii) Law commission, iv) Media and Press Commission, v) Ombudsman system can be a good start towards ensuring good governance. But without transparent process and expertise in law-enforcement, such commissions or agencies will remain ineffective. Another area that is easily noticeable is lack of monitoring on government spending. Ministries spend allocated funds as they see fit on political considerations rather than their economic impact. Thus the modality of investing in people goes against the interest of the mass people. Further ridiculous and deceptive is the financial reporting system. Any reporting done is often years late. An effective institution should be formulated to monitor government spending which could go a long way towards curbing irresponsible government spending on political or corrupt motives. In this regard separating the accounting function from the auditing system is now only a demand of time.
Every citizen is happy to see that the present caretaker government took steps towards independent judiciary, independent human rights commission and independent election commission. Furthermore, some institutions are taking steps to improve effectiveness and efficiency within their authority. It is also expected the present government will initiate reforms that will give greater results and fulfill aspiration of the people-the real owner of the country. It is ironical to note that yet there are no effective institutions with adequate legal authority to curb unethical business practices or to protect consumer rights.
Strong laws and regulations and timely enforcement system are needed to make sure that the investors understand the modality for operating in Bangladesh . Clearly defined laws, rules and regulations will help regain investor's confidence to bring big investment in Bangladesh . Unexpected arbitrary changes to legal procedures without adequate notice or public opinion, created perceptions that the political regimes catered to vested interests or syndicates.
i. Good Governance: Role of Parliament:
Legislature is a fundamental component of good governance, which serves as a demonstration of pluralism, tolerance of diversity and dissent as well as a place for compromise and consensus building. The health of democracy of any nation is largely dependant on a strong and functional legislature. A government with a legislature lacking the capacity to effectively oversee the executive or influence policy cannot be deemed to be democratic or delivering good governance. The role and task of the parliament is to make laws and monitor the executive. They hold the executive organ of the government accountable through committee hearings, intervention on important national issues and making appropriate laws to sustain good governance.
The formal government is only one of the actors in good governance. Under any parliamentary system of government the parliament is another key actor for ensuring good governance. But when the speaker becomes partisan, when Parliament Members looses their membership if they vote against anti people bills presented in the parliament by their party due to the black law like Article 70 of the constitution, presenting bill in the parliament becomes a farcical exercise. When ministers do not remain accountable even to the MPs, the parliament becomes autocratic establishing parliamentary autocracy and Prime Ministerial dictatorship frustrating the spirit of people centric accountable government.
Further when the elected opposition in the Parliament abstains from taking part in the proceedings of the Parliament, the Parliament becomes ineffective as a constitutional arrangement of scrutinizing government's activities. The idea that the opposition can topple a government without election is most unhelpful for democracy and democratic good governance.
ii. Good Governance: Role of Judiciary
Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional jurisdiction on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable and periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human Rights by an independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people.
The last remaining bastion of the rule of law, the judiciary was not separated from the executive organ by all previous governments. The lower judiciary has degenerated into a politicized instrument of any ruling party. The upper judiciary is now being exposed to a process of creeping politicization, where judicial appointments, even at the highest level, are now made with an eye on who will be more serviceable as the head of the Caretaker Government.
Like in the United States and many other countries we must also have an effective disciplinary authority over the misconduct of the judges both in the lower judiciary and the Supreme Court. It is important that the judges should devise their own disciplinary framework. The allegation of rampant corruption in the lower judiciary is very disturbing and yet we do not find the judges themselves doing anything to redress the grievance. The citizen wants independence of the judiciary not to make the judges indulge in corruption with impunity. Corruption in the judiciary makes mockery of the whole justice system so much needed for good governance.
In a participatory democracy it is essential that citizens have faith in their public institutions. A judiciary that is seen as fair and independent is a vital component in sustaining people's trust and confidence in the judiciary. It is through judiciary that people truly experience the working of a democracy and good governance.
Another point to note is when a corruption scandal breaks open because of the media or a government investigation, many agencies comes forward to handle it. An independent and transparent judicial system can expeditiously bring offenders to justice regardless of their position in politics or business. Now a day in many countries court document of many cases are available online through the court and are posted for public consumption on major media websites. This sort of public flogging may create fear among people in high settings regarding corruption. No denying the fact, government, private sector, and citizens – especially the media – can eradicate corruption by playing a collaborative role.
iii. Good Governance: Role of Bureaucracy
While politicization of the bureaucracy disgustingly damaged the entire administration, another new dimension is that the senior bureaucrats themselves are now inclined to get political colour to get short and long-term benefit package. While the short-term benefit package includes good and profitable postings, rapid promotions, extension of services, etc, the long-term benefit package
of course revolves around such aspirations as induction in the party politics leading to influential positions in the cabinet or office of profits. There is no doubt that such self seeking stance on the part of the senior bureaucrats tells upon their accountability to the people. As a result, virtually all public services as well as law enforcement have become partisanized and commoditized to a point where the machinery of government has lost virtually all capacity for functioning as an instrument of public service.
iv. Good Governance: Role of Media
Bangladesh does have a very active media. The recent growth in the number of private electronic and print media outlets has increased not just the amount of information available but also its quality. Media should take a more aggressive role in investigating and exposing large scale and high profile corruption. Naming and shaming can be a very effective tactic to eradicate corruption in our country. Even in developing countries, where corruption is accepted as a necessary evil, naming and shaming tactic has been effective in recent years. In India , high profile cases uncovered and actively reported by the media have led to disgraceful dismissals of high level government officials and even criminal action against political leaders. No such example has been set by the political governments in Bangladesh in the past. But the media demonstrated ability to generate outrage among the public that can be channeled productively to control and eradicate corruption. Nobody can undermine the role and power of media in the society for establishing good governance.
However with its powerful role, even the media may get corrupted or come under undue influence. Editors and reporters must be vigilant so that corrupt and unethical journalistic practices do not undermine the power of the media. Media groups, just like professional bodies, need to set journalistic ethical standards and train their reporters adequately to ensure that they are not easily influenced by corruption. Bangladesh needs modern laws towards ethical journalism to ensure accurate reporting without undue influence or intimidation. Law need to ensure that the media acts responsibly in investigations to avoid slandering business or political leaders without adequate information or with evil motives. Also laws should be enacted to protect the media from law suits and injunctive actions from business houses and politicians who use the courts to muzzle the press. Bangladeshi media has a good reputation that needs to be fiercely protected and improved upon through training of unbiased reporting. Once the media can prove to be unbiased, it gains the ability to champion apolitical, social causes that can benefit the society at large. And in this regard establishing an independent media and press commission with broad based representation from all walks of life has become a burning issue.
v. Good Governance: Role of Educational Institutions
Teachers, trainers, professionals, educators have big responsibilities to raise voice for good governance. Teachers can implant hatred against corruptions among the students at an early age. Intermediate and secondary education can inform young minds about the importance of good governance as precondition for development. Education on critical issues like women empowerment, human rights, consumer rights, right to information, freedom of speech etc can help empower a new generation who will come forward to initiate positive reforms towards good governance.
In Bangladesh any one will be shocked to see the growing number of private universities. This is a proof to the growing demand of education. The highest demand for education has been in the Business, Law and IT schools. Students are flocking to them because they see the tremendous potential of business education and IT education in a global context. Business schools need to ensure that their students have a comprehensive business education that emphasizes business ethics and law related to the internet. Such is the case for IT education which also needs ethical and legal knowledge regarding internet related crimes. Students taking IT and computer related courses as well as BBA, MBA, MBM students need to be educated on global standards with comprehensive knowledge of social responsibility of business, business ethics, business law in order to be competitive in a global marketplace. It should be mandatory that every curriculum includes at least one course on ethics and international business law. Improvement in the quality of business education will improve entrepreneurial development and business vision of executives and entrepreneurs of Bangladesh .
vi. Good Governance: Role of Anti Corruption Commission
Good governance also means combating corruption, and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions, and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscle. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official Secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security and similar issues. Strong laws against corruption and application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a government's commitment for the principle of good governance.
The general lack of political will to fight corruption during the previous governments are evident from the fact that after more than 35 years of independence only now the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is being set up. It is a bold step on the part of the present government. Unhindered corruption has the vicious effect of eroding from within all the efforts at building the democratic institutions of good governance. The people aspiration is that the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will prove to be sufficiently independent and bold to punish corruption in high places of the government. Corruption must be uprooted to help the institutions of good governance function in the way these are intended to. Because where good governance fails democracy does not also survive and where democracy is absent politicians do not rule.
vii. Good Governance: Role of Election Commission :
Independent and Non Partisan Election Commission is a precondition for free & fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament. Elections, however, are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the will of the people are essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in themselves. It is critical that a nation's elections be free and fair in level play ground. This means that every citizen has an equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Voters must have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates. Independent election commission must ensure that voters are not put in a coercive helpless situation to choose muscleman or criminals nominated by party A or party B as their representative to the parliament to establish rule of terrors or criminals. The election commission must ensure the options for voters to reject if criminals are given nominations by casting "No" votes.
viii. Good Governance: Role of Public Service Commission :
The Public services in Bangladesh are services provided by the government to the community and include administration, police, health, education, taxation, forestry, electricity, foreign service, amongst others. The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has provisions for setting up one or more Public Service Commissions (Article 137). The Commission consists of 11 members including a Chairman. All of them are appointed by the President (Article 138). Provisions should be made so that the President of the Republic can make such appointments judiciously and piously without any interference of a political Prime Minister. If politicization of the PSC can be stopped Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) could play a vital role in recruitment, promotion, discipline, posting and transfer of government servants. This constitutional body is supposed to ensures that decisions relating to the public services sector are made in line with equity and merit.
For the first time in the history of the Public Service Commission, allegations such as document-tampering, question-paper leakage etc were raised. The integrity of the Public Service Commission has been further compromised by the politicization of its senior appointments. While the incidences of corrupt practices are proliferating beyond imagination, the law-enforcing agencies are almost helpless before the political pressure group.
Conclusion
In a developing country for good governance the fight against corruption is not easy. Bangladesh after 1/11/07 has experienced a big leap towards fighting corruption. It is expected the present caretaker government, patriot citizens and other stakeholders will be able to address the most difficult challenge – fighting corruption. Corruption is a tremendous deterrent to good governance and development, and its burden falls heaviest on the shoulders of the poor people. An effective Anti-Corruption Commission – with strong political backing, can become a credible tool to deter corruption. All concerned should help the ACC to be fully operative. If Bangladesh wants to become a country free of poverty and economically strong, where every citizen will enjoy his or her rights and a better quality life, fighting corruption is the most important need. It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to respond to this need towards corruption free, transparent, participatory good governance ensuring equity and social justice.
In Bangladesh , it is evident that the present condition of governance is not satisfactory. Many issues and problems are the barriers to ensure good governance , equity and social justice . Corruption, political interference in administration, nepotism, misuse of power, absence of rule of law, non-accountable and non-transparent government etc. are the common features of our governance. Although a lot of measures may be taken for ensuring good governance, it is high time to make our autocratic parliament a democratic one. And re-engineer the role of the dictatorial Prime Minister to a democratic one. In the interest of good governance, time has come for us to think about amending the black law(Article 70 of the constitution) to curve its abuse and free the public representatives to voice peoples aspiration in the parliament. Public opinion should be mobilized to discourage boycotting of Parliament and make the Parliament fully functional and democratic by making the speaker system a non-partisan institution. It is also necessary to make the ministers accountable to the parliament members while discharging their executive roles to make the parliament truly democratic. Re-engineering is also required to make the MPs the key actors of the parliament instead of the ministers by making the parliamentary standing committees more powerful, effective and functional. All the standing committees of the parliament must be formed and made fully functional by the third session of any elected parliament. To ensure increased accountability and set the culture of resignation due to failure or inefficiency of ministers, legal provisions should be made so that cabinet ministers has to render resignation if no confidence motion is moved by one third members of the parliaments of which one third must be from the ruling party. It is required to make the parliament effective and functional and center of all debates. On the other hand, the opposition, civil society and social groups and organizations also have the moral obligations to help and co-operate the government in establishing good governance. But after 1/11/07 discussions are tabled that constitutional amendments are necessary to bring checks and balance of powers between the President, Prime minister and Speaker of the country. To make the parliament democratic, functional, effective measures should be taken to make the speaker panel a institution above partisan standing. Further brain storming is required whether a national security council can play a even positive role in maintaining balance of power as it is said - Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely .
A. Good Governance: Rule of Law not rule of men or women
Good governance is an extension of the principle of the rule of law. Any society is well-governed when there is a rule of law, not a rule of men or woman. A modern state is extensively governed by rules, regulations and laws, by complex guidelines and instructions, restrictive, prohibitive and penal procedures. Good governance can become myth for the people when the public representatives, bureaucrats and judiciary put rules and regulations aside and start ruling by using political office for personal gains. It has often been seen in history that an elected government may not be democratic but autocratic in practice imposing dictatorship of the head of the government. This can happen even in the parliamentary form of governments. It is ironical that, the democratic world is satisfied if the adults of a country can cast their votes at a periodic interval in a festive mood. But little do they bother whether these festive periodic exercises called election (made in Bangladesh) puts the voter in a helpless coercive situation to choose muscleman or criminals nominated by party A or party B as their representative only to endorse a rule of terrors or criminals.
The basic problem of maintaining rule of law in Bangladesh is the belief of a powerful group of politicians, bureaucrats, elites, business personalities and other persons from other professions, that although all human beings are created equal, they are more than the created equals. Law and judicial systems exist for those who are less equal than them, allowing them to float above the law and the arms of the court are not long enough to reach them. This irony in the day to day affairs of Bangladesh is the breeding ground of corruption, mis-governance and mis-fortune. The search for a policy and system to combat corruption is essentially a search for a leveler, except death which will cut the size of those more-than-equals to their proper size and dimension. If corruption is to be combated, it would have to be addressed both by way of a change of mind set and a change of consequences.
B. Good Governance: People Centric Governance
The broad concept of good governance is the process of governing with maximum participation of the people. Good Governance refers to the broad set of actions that a government undertakes to ensure people centric socio-politico- economic mechanisms to function effectively. Good governance, then, arises from actions of a government which is honest, transparent, accountable, efficient, and institutionally sound. Establishing good governance in Bangladesh requires reforms of the political System, electoral system, state machinery – and institutions to monitor the governance.
Weakness in governance is most visible by rampant corruption in economic and business arena in Bangladesh . To tackle corruption, we cannot just focus on the demand side of corrupt payments; we must also combat the supply side. The government, public sector, private sector, ministers, parliament members as well as individuals were all pre dominantly involved in corrupt practices in Bangladesh . To combat corruption, we must focus on most of the infected organs of the state.
C. Good Governance: Conceptual Framework
A number of multilateral organizations ( e.g. UNDP, World Bank, OECD) and bilateral organizations have emphasized on the elements of good governance and its impact on development. Multilateral organizations generally equate good governance with sound economic management based on (i) Accountability; (ii) Participation; (iii) Predictability and (iv) Transparency.
The concept of good governance has been clarified by the UN's Commission on Human Rights and identified the key attributes of good governance as: 1.Transparency 2.Responsibility 3.Accountability 4.Participation 5.Responsiveness However, there are some bilateral donors who are not satisfied with this narrow economic definition of good governance. They would like at least Five more elements to be included as an essential part of good governance, namely (i) Democratization; (ii) Human Rights; (iii) Rule of Law; (iv)Cuts in Military Expenditure and (v) Probity.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMILIATION STUDIES ( http://www.humiliationstudies.org/intervention/decency.php) stated that: Syed Ahsanul Alam, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Chittagong in his article "Road Map To Good Governance - The Nine 'I' Model " explains that "Democracy cannot flourish in the absence of good governance." He explains: "The pre-condition for good governance is effective democratic institutions for democratizing the society. Improvement of the living standard of people cannot happen where people cannot participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow, and civil society and the judiciary are weak. According to him Nine criteria of good governance may be used to determine whether any country qualifies to have good governance are:
1. INDEPENDENT AND NON PARTISAN ELECTION COMMISSION 2. INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW 3. INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH 4. INDEPENDENT ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION 5. INDEPENDENT AND EFFECTIVE PARLIAMENT 6. INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 7. INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM 8. INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE
9. INVESTMENT FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT."
[Source : http:// http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2007-02-11&hidType=EDT
http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_33979.shtml
http://www.weeklyholiday.net/2007/230307/mis.html
http://bangladeshwatchdog.blogspot.com/2007/02/road-map-to-good-governance-in.html]
During the previous regimes Good governance in Bangladesh was far from the actual consonance of the term. There are several factors and issues that are constraining the very process of good governance. The major factors are i) corruption, ii) politicization of administration, iii) weak democratic institutions, iv) autocratic parliament, v) absence of the rule of law and vi) absence of meritocracy etc.
The ESCAP of the United Nations has emphasized for good governance, the participatory nature of the government and the rule of law. According to this definition, good governance has 8 major characteristics -"It is i) participatory, ii) consensus oriented accountable, iii) transparent, iv) responsive, v) effective, vi) efficient, vii) equitable and viii) inclusive and follows the rule of law." By the rule of law ESCAP means fair legal frameworks and impartial enforcement of laws by an independent judiciary and incorruptible police force.
D. Good Governance: Role of Individual Stakeholders
Everyday policy makers, professionals, business leaders, sociologist, economists and others independently generate amazing number of ideas and thoughts. The reasons that these ideas don't come to fruition is because like-minded reformers do seldom collaborate to bring changes. There are a lot of international and domestic organizations, NGOs, government agencies, opinion leaders and others – that are all individually working on tackling corruption in a piece-meal fashion. A more comprehensive approach to address governance will be more fruitful. Corruption can be marginalized if not eliminated if all stakeholders work together in a coordinated manner against corruption.
Ideas and thoughts are ineffective if not put to actions. Unless what is thought is acted upon, such thought has no value. What is important is the commitment of all the citizens – leaders of respective fields– to take on the challenge of replacing bad governance with that of good governance and to do one's own part to address it in a collaborative manner. Corruption, as in all affairs in society may be viewed from the two sides: a demand side and a supply side . The demand side can only be curbed by reforms of institutions, strengthened enforcement of law by a transparent judiciary. As the owner of the country all citizens are affected by bad governance everyday, and as such they should insist reforms of the legislative, executive and judicial organ of the country. The stake holders of good governance should get united to raise voice against corruption to curve the supply side . Thus the citizens will have to participate in the crusades against corruption and only moral support to the Anti Corruption Commission ( ACC ) is not enough to eliminate corruption.
E. Good Governance: Role of Civil Society
Citizens face potential corruption practically at every level and every sector of life. It could be the local police, T.N.T, electricity and water authority, municipal corporation or the tax department. Government alone cannot succeed in combating corruption without the active participation of civil society and citizen action groups. Civil society is in the best position to articulate the grievances of the citizen and highlight priorities of action on corruption to governments. Civil society can serve many important roles–as observer, critic, analyst, campaigner, or protestor. It can create public awareness against corruption and mobilize citizens to fight against corruption in ways that governments cannot. Civil society can also play a strong role to organize campaigns against corruption.
Civil society organizations, Citizens' action groups, NGOs, media, and Chambers–can play the largest role in improving governance both in the public and private sector. Chambers can be more active by organizing seminars, workshops, round tables to generate awareness against corruption and unethical business practice. Chambers can establish anti corruption cell headed by a vice president with adequate funds to establish liaison with media, anti corruption commission (ACC) and other government agencies to combat corruption and protect its members from extortion and corrupt claims. Mega chambers should formulate code of conduct for their members and put pressure on the members for compliance. Awareness regarding code of conduct for members of chambers would have trickle down effect on smaller business enterprises and so on.
NGOs can keep a pivotal role in raising awareness among the general public about the bad effect of bad governance. Most of our citizens understand that they are victims of corruption at their own level and corrupt governance affects their pocket. NGOs and other social organizations can make coordinated efforts to spread the message that corrupt governance at every level affects the economic development, impair equitable distribution of wealth, destroys social justice and degrades moral of the society. Corruption degrades the dignity of any nation. Researchers and academicians presented reports on how corruption destroyed the foundation of our economy. Mass campaign against corruption should be launched to develop public resistance against corruption and to provoke public support in favor of crusade against corruption by the Anti corruption commission (ACC). ACC should be proactive in setting the agenda and framework through which to engage civil society in the battle against corruption.
F. Good Governance: Role of Private Sector
The private sector can play a more active role in rooting out the supply side of corruption. It is painful that most businessman and citizens looks at corrupt practice as a system. According to unofficial estimates many business house just account for it on their books – as much as 10% – adding to the cost of doing business. Business leaders as well as the government should take initiatives so that local and foreign investors can set up business enterprise and function in Bangladesh without resorting to corruption and extortion. After 1/11/07 the present Anti corruption commission (ACC) visibly started a crusade against corruption which may be looked upon as a proactive move towards investment friendly governance.
Towards good governance the private sector must emphasize on internal controls and auditing mechanisms. Corporate bodies and business houses needs to set clear and enforceable policies against corrupt or unethical business practices. Business house need to periodically train middle and senior management on business ethics to ensure that standards are institutionalized throughout the organization. Business houses should change their mind-set to prefer managers having comprehensive business education with emphasis on ethics. Bangladeshi business managers can not afford to be unaware of global ethical standards for doing business.
G. Good Governance: Role of Institutions
For good governance, existing institutions need to be strengthened by laws and regulations. New regulatory institutions need to be created to address gaps in monitoring governance. Stopping political appointments in institutions like the i) Anti-Corruption Commission, ii) Human Rights Commissions, iii) Law commission, iv) Media and Press Commission, v) Ombudsman system can be a good start towards ensuring good governance. But without transparent process and expertise in law-enforcement, such commissions or agencies will remain ineffective. Another area that is easily noticeable is lack of monitoring on government spending. Ministries spend allocated funds as they see fit on political considerations rather than their economic impact. Thus the modality of investing in people goes against the interest of the mass people. Further ridiculous and deceptive is the financial reporting system. Any reporting done is often years late. An effective institution should be formulated to monitor government spending which could go a long way towards curbing irresponsible government spending on political or corrupt motives. In this regard separating the accounting function from the auditing system is now only a demand of time.
Every citizen is happy to see that the present caretaker government took steps towards independent judiciary, independent human rights commission and independent election commission. Furthermore, some institutions are taking steps to improve effectiveness and efficiency within their authority. It is also expected the present government will initiate reforms that will give greater results and fulfill aspiration of the people-the real owner of the country. It is ironical to note that yet there are no effective institutions with adequate legal authority to curb unethical business practices or to protect consumer rights.
Strong laws and regulations and timely enforcement system are needed to make sure that the investors understand the modality for operating in Bangladesh . Clearly defined laws, rules and regulations will help regain investor's confidence to bring big investment in Bangladesh . Unexpected arbitrary changes to legal procedures without adequate notice or public opinion, created perceptions that the political regimes catered to vested interests or syndicates.
i. Good Governance: Role of Parliament:
Legislature is a fundamental component of good governance, which serves as a demonstration of pluralism, tolerance of diversity and dissent as well as a place for compromise and consensus building. The health of democracy of any nation is largely dependant on a strong and functional legislature. A government with a legislature lacking the capacity to effectively oversee the executive or influence policy cannot be deemed to be democratic or delivering good governance. The role and task of the parliament is to make laws and monitor the executive. They hold the executive organ of the government accountable through committee hearings, intervention on important national issues and making appropriate laws to sustain good governance.
The formal government is only one of the actors in good governance. Under any parliamentary system of government the parliament is another key actor for ensuring good governance. But when the speaker becomes partisan, when Parliament Members looses their membership if they vote against anti people bills presented in the parliament by their party due to the black law like Article 70 of the constitution, presenting bill in the parliament becomes a farcical exercise. When ministers do not remain accountable even to the MPs, the parliament becomes autocratic establishing parliamentary autocracy and Prime Ministerial dictatorship frustrating the spirit of people centric accountable government.
Further when the elected opposition in the Parliament abstains from taking part in the proceedings of the Parliament, the Parliament becomes ineffective as a constitutional arrangement of scrutinizing government's activities. The idea that the opposition can topple a government without election is most unhelpful for democracy and democratic good governance.
ii. Good Governance: Role of Judiciary
Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional jurisdiction on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable and periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human Rights by an independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people.
The last remaining bastion of the rule of law, the judiciary was not separated from the executive organ by all previous governments. The lower judiciary has degenerated into a politicized instrument of any ruling party. The upper judiciary is now being exposed to a process of creeping politicization, where judicial appointments, even at the highest level, are now made with an eye on who will be more serviceable as the head of the Caretaker Government.
Like in the United States and many other countries we must also have an effective disciplinary authority over the misconduct of the judges both in the lower judiciary and the Supreme Court. It is important that the judges should devise their own disciplinary framework. The allegation of rampant corruption in the lower judiciary is very disturbing and yet we do not find the judges themselves doing anything to redress the grievance. The citizen wants independence of the judiciary not to make the judges indulge in corruption with impunity. Corruption in the judiciary makes mockery of the whole justice system so much needed for good governance.
In a participatory democracy it is essential that citizens have faith in their public institutions. A judiciary that is seen as fair and independent is a vital component in sustaining people's trust and confidence in the judiciary. It is through judiciary that people truly experience the working of a democracy and good governance.
Another point to note is when a corruption scandal breaks open because of the media or a government investigation, many agencies comes forward to handle it. An independent and transparent judicial system can expeditiously bring offenders to justice regardless of their position in politics or business. Now a day in many countries court document of many cases are available online through the court and are posted for public consumption on major media websites. This sort of public flogging may create fear among people in high settings regarding corruption. No denying the fact, government, private sector, and citizens – especially the media – can eradicate corruption by playing a collaborative role.
iii. Good Governance: Role of Bureaucracy
While politicization of the bureaucracy disgustingly damaged the entire administration, another new dimension is that the senior bureaucrats themselves are now inclined to get political colour to get short and long-term benefit package. While the short-term benefit package includes good and profitable postings, rapid promotions, extension of services, etc, the long-term benefit package
of course revolves around such aspirations as induction in the party politics leading to influential positions in the cabinet or office of profits. There is no doubt that such self seeking stance on the part of the senior bureaucrats tells upon their accountability to the people. As a result, virtually all public services as well as law enforcement have become partisanized and commoditized to a point where the machinery of government has lost virtually all capacity for functioning as an instrument of public service.
iv. Good Governance: Role of Media
Bangladesh does have a very active media. The recent growth in the number of private electronic and print media outlets has increased not just the amount of information available but also its quality. Media should take a more aggressive role in investigating and exposing large scale and high profile corruption. Naming and shaming can be a very effective tactic to eradicate corruption in our country. Even in developing countries, where corruption is accepted as a necessary evil, naming and shaming tactic has been effective in recent years. In India , high profile cases uncovered and actively reported by the media have led to disgraceful dismissals of high level government officials and even criminal action against political leaders. No such example has been set by the political governments in Bangladesh in the past. But the media demonstrated ability to generate outrage among the public that can be channeled productively to control and eradicate corruption. Nobody can undermine the role and power of media in the society for establishing good governance.
However with its powerful role, even the media may get corrupted or come under undue influence. Editors and reporters must be vigilant so that corrupt and unethical journalistic practices do not undermine the power of the media. Media groups, just like professional bodies, need to set journalistic ethical standards and train their reporters adequately to ensure that they are not easily influenced by corruption. Bangladesh needs modern laws towards ethical journalism to ensure accurate reporting without undue influence or intimidation. Law need to ensure that the media acts responsibly in investigations to avoid slandering business or political leaders without adequate information or with evil motives. Also laws should be enacted to protect the media from law suits and injunctive actions from business houses and politicians who use the courts to muzzle the press. Bangladeshi media has a good reputation that needs to be fiercely protected and improved upon through training of unbiased reporting. Once the media can prove to be unbiased, it gains the ability to champion apolitical, social causes that can benefit the society at large. And in this regard establishing an independent media and press commission with broad based representation from all walks of life has become a burning issue.
v. Good Governance: Role of Educational Institutions
Teachers, trainers, professionals, educators have big responsibilities to raise voice for good governance. Teachers can implant hatred against corruptions among the students at an early age. Intermediate and secondary education can inform young minds about the importance of good governance as precondition for development. Education on critical issues like women empowerment, human rights, consumer rights, right to information, freedom of speech etc can help empower a new generation who will come forward to initiate positive reforms towards good governance.
In Bangladesh any one will be shocked to see the growing number of private universities. This is a proof to the growing demand of education. The highest demand for education has been in the Business, Law and IT schools. Students are flocking to them because they see the tremendous potential of business education and IT education in a global context. Business schools need to ensure that their students have a comprehensive business education that emphasizes business ethics and law related to the internet. Such is the case for IT education which also needs ethical and legal knowledge regarding internet related crimes. Students taking IT and computer related courses as well as BBA, MBA, MBM students need to be educated on global standards with comprehensive knowledge of social responsibility of business, business ethics, business law in order to be competitive in a global marketplace. It should be mandatory that every curriculum includes at least one course on ethics and international business law. Improvement in the quality of business education will improve entrepreneurial development and business vision of executives and entrepreneurs of Bangladesh .
vi. Good Governance: Role of Anti Corruption Commission
Good governance also means combating corruption, and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions, and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscle. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official Secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security and similar issues. Strong laws against corruption and application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a government's commitment for the principle of good governance.
The general lack of political will to fight corruption during the previous governments are evident from the fact that after more than 35 years of independence only now the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is being set up. It is a bold step on the part of the present government. Unhindered corruption has the vicious effect of eroding from within all the efforts at building the democratic institutions of good governance. The people aspiration is that the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will prove to be sufficiently independent and bold to punish corruption in high places of the government. Corruption must be uprooted to help the institutions of good governance function in the way these are intended to. Because where good governance fails democracy does not also survive and where democracy is absent politicians do not rule.
vii. Good Governance: Role of Election Commission :
Independent and Non Partisan Election Commission is a precondition for free & fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament. Elections, however, are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the will of the people are essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in themselves. It is critical that a nation's elections be free and fair in level play ground. This means that every citizen has an equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Voters must have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates. Independent election commission must ensure that voters are not put in a coercive helpless situation to choose muscleman or criminals nominated by party A or party B as their representative to the parliament to establish rule of terrors or criminals. The election commission must ensure the options for voters to reject if criminals are given nominations by casting "No" votes.
viii. Good Governance: Role of Public Service Commission :
The Public services in Bangladesh are services provided by the government to the community and include administration, police, health, education, taxation, forestry, electricity, foreign service, amongst others. The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has provisions for setting up one or more Public Service Commissions (Article 137). The Commission consists of 11 members including a Chairman. All of them are appointed by the President (Article 138). Provisions should be made so that the President of the Republic can make such appointments judiciously and piously without any interference of a political Prime Minister. If politicization of the PSC can be stopped Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) could play a vital role in recruitment, promotion, discipline, posting and transfer of government servants. This constitutional body is supposed to ensures that decisions relating to the public services sector are made in line with equity and merit.
For the first time in the history of the Public Service Commission, allegations such as document-tampering, question-paper leakage etc were raised. The integrity of the Public Service Commission has been further compromised by the politicization of its senior appointments. While the incidences of corrupt practices are proliferating beyond imagination, the law-enforcing agencies are almost helpless before the political pressure group.
Conclusion
In a developing country for good governance the fight against corruption is not easy. Bangladesh after 1/11/07 has experienced a big leap towards fighting corruption. It is expected the present caretaker government, patriot citizens and other stakeholders will be able to address the most difficult challenge – fighting corruption. Corruption is a tremendous deterrent to good governance and development, and its burden falls heaviest on the shoulders of the poor people. An effective Anti-Corruption Commission – with strong political backing, can become a credible tool to deter corruption. All concerned should help the ACC to be fully operative. If Bangladesh wants to become a country free of poverty and economically strong, where every citizen will enjoy his or her rights and a better quality life, fighting corruption is the most important need. It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to respond to this need towards corruption free, transparent, participatory good governance ensuring equity and social justice.
In Bangladesh , it is evident that the present condition of governance is not satisfactory. Many issues and problems are the barriers to ensure good governance , equity and social justice . Corruption, political interference in administration, nepotism, misuse of power, absence of rule of law, non-accountable and non-transparent government etc. are the common features of our governance. Although a lot of measures may be taken for ensuring good governance, it is high time to make our autocratic parliament a democratic one. And re-engineer the role of the dictatorial Prime Minister to a democratic one. In the interest of good governance, time has come for us to think about amending the black law(Article 70 of the constitution) to curve its abuse and free the public representatives to voice peoples aspiration in the parliament. Public opinion should be mobilized to discourage boycotting of Parliament and make the Parliament fully functional and democratic by making the speaker system a non-partisan institution. It is also necessary to make the ministers accountable to the parliament members while discharging their executive roles to make the parliament truly democratic. Re-engineering is also required to make the MPs the key actors of the parliament instead of the ministers by making the parliamentary standing committees more powerful, effective and functional. All the standing committees of the parliament must be formed and made fully functional by the third session of any elected parliament. To ensure increased accountability and set the culture of resignation due to failure or inefficiency of ministers, legal provisions should be made so that cabinet ministers has to render resignation if no confidence motion is moved by one third members of the parliaments of which one third must be from the ruling party. It is required to make the parliament effective and functional and center of all debates. On the other hand, the opposition, civil society and social groups and organizations also have the moral obligations to help and co-operate the government in establishing good governance. But after 1/11/07 discussions are tabled that constitutional amendments are necessary to bring checks and balance of powers between the President, Prime minister and Speaker of the country. To make the parliament democratic, functional, effective measures should be taken to make the speaker panel a institution above partisan standing. Further brain storming is required whether a national security council can play a even positive role in maintaining balance of power as it is said - Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely .
Bangladesh: A testing time
BY:NM Harun.
Badrun123@dhaka.net
A constitutional and legal fiction, the Fakhruddin government is nothing but a motley collection of individuals handpicked by the authors of the emergency. Any expectation that this contraption of a government will behave politically or will be transparent and decisive in policy or action, is thus naïve, to say the least. Writes NM Harun.
‘…power does its work by stealth, and the powerful can subsequently deny that their strength was ever used at all.’ – Salman Rushdie, Shalimar the Clown
THE self-decreed two-year term of the present government ends in December next. In view of this, the announcement of the date of the parliamentary elections to be held on December 18 is a routine exercise of the government. Whether or not this will lead the country towards the garden path of an elected government is anybody’s guess.
The government is talking about creating a level playing field for holding a free, fair and credible election. An orchestrated propaganda has also been launched that it now depends only on the cooperation of the Awami League president Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia to hold the election to the ninth parliament and produce an elected government to replace the present ‘caretaker government’ headed by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.
But then, Thomas Paine, the most radical among the founding fathers of America, warned more than two centuries ago in the Rights of Man: ‘To reason with governments, as they have existed for ages, is to argue with brutes.’ He wrote the book in 1792, in the midst of the French Revolution, in denunciation of the monarchies of his days.
Our present government is, in a sense, a worse type of ‘brute’ than the monarchies of Paine’s times. This is a real-life soap-opera of a government without any constitutional and legal basis or precedent or any kind of mandate in any form.
It is the military to whom President Iajuddin Ahmed surrendered on January 11, 2007 as president as well as head of the caretaker government he had formed on October 29, 2006. The military apparently balked at directly taking over power, as attested by the army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed. On the next day, January 12, 2007, the Fakhruddin government was produced, as if, from a sorcerer’s hat and was camouflaged as a caretaker government.
A constitutional and legal fiction, the Fakhruddin government is nothing but a motley collection of individuals handpicked by the authors of the emergency. Any expectation that this contraption of a government will behave politically or will be transparent and decisive in policy or action, is thus naïve, to say the least.
To reason with the Fakhruddin government on any issue – be it the ‘minus-two’ formula which seeks the political liquidation of Hasina and Khaleda, the political witch-hunt in the name of anti-corruption drive, the palpable use of the judiciary for the purpose of political manipulation, extrajudicial killings in the name of fighting terrorism, the abuse of the Emergency Power Rules, the wanton use of ordinances, adoption of policy decisions with long-term implications, the anarchy in the market and workplaces or the flip-flops of the Election Commission – has already proved to be a fool’s errand.
The political parties, led by the Awami League and the BNP, have, however, taken an opportunistic line of accommodation with the puppet show of the Fakhruddin government, lest a democratic struggle against the authoritarianism and despotism of the emergency dispensation pitch them directly against the military, the real arbiter of power. They seem to be thinking clever: Why provoke a dragon which is feigning to be sleeping? The political parties have, instead, been goading the Fakhruddin government, a buffer between them and the military, to hold the long-delayed election to the ninth parliament and peacefully hand over power to an elected government.
The announcement of the election date has brought to the fore the power struggle between the two alliances led by the Awami League and the BNP. The leaders of both the camps are making upbeat statements about winning election and power. Such pronouncements may eventually prove to be premature.
Remember the abortion of the election to the ninth parliament which was scheduled for January 22, 2007. The AL and BNP-led alliances were then locked in a bitter and stormy battle over the issue of creating a level playing field for elections. The alliances did not get time and scope to settle the dispute in the political and constitutional way. The military, encouraged by the donors and international bodies, intervened, got emergency proclaimed, a puppet government installed, the scheduled election cancelled and political activities banned/restricted on the pretext of political unrest. The political parties acquiesced, from calculation or in fear. The military, flushed with power without authority or accountability, embarked on a mission to accomplish the ‘re-invention’ of the nation to the euphoric applause from a bemused people.
Twenty months on, the political parties are recuperating from the shock of the emergency; the burden of governance has thoroughly discredited the puppet government of Fakhruddin Ahmed; and the military, though no longer the darling of the people, effectively controls the levers of state power. At this juncture, the election cannot take place in a normal constitutional manner because of the malfunctioning of the constitution since the proclamation of emergency. The holding of the election will obviously depend on the success or failure of behind-the-scene negotiations between and among the military – the custodian of the current emergency dispensation – the Awami League and the BNP, with the Fakhruddin government as the facilitator.
Such monkey business will not as such be an exception in countries like ours which are prone to military intervention. But in the past, the political parties used to have some bargaining chips in their negotiations with the powers that be. This time around, they have little political initiative because of their disinclination or inability to fight against authoritarianism and despotism of the emergency and create mass movements for the rights and livelihood of the people.
There is no use ruing the capitulation of the political leadership to the emergency powers and the missed opportunity of conducting democratic struggle during the emergency rule. Neither will any purpose be served by indulging in a blame game.
The future lies ahead –– a future beset with thorny issues of politics and ideology, no less if not more grave and complex than the contradiction between the emergency and fundamental rights.
First, no matter whether election is held or not as promised in December, the struggle for democracy will need to be begun afresh. For, even if an elected government replaces the Fakhruddin government, that government will most likely be a surrogate government to serve the purpose of the powers that be.
Second, the spectre of Islam-pasand politics is getting larger by the day. Islamist outfits are multiplying and the BNP has a strategic alliance with the Jamaat, the kingpin of the Islamist forces and unrepentant collaborator of the Pakistan occupation forces during the War of Independence. Even the Awami League feels a compulsion to woo the Jatiya Party of General HM Ershad, who made Islam the state religion, for election politics. This is because of the vacuum in progressive politics. The left-leaning parties and the parties claiming to be socialist or communist have lost their historic ground in the mills and factories, fields, slums and workplaces and are increasingly becoming irrelevant in the mainstream parliamentary politics.
Third, militarisation of the polity has been going on apace since the martial law regime of General Ziaur Rahman. There is a strong move now to turn the country into a national security state.
Fourth, the country is gradually and inexorably being tagged to the global geopolitical network of America. The increasing cooperation between American Homeland Security and Bangladesh is an open secret. A July 22 BSS report says: ’ The US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific has given a 10-day training to the personnel of Bangladesh Armed Forces and other security enforcing agencies on using modern non-lethal weapons to control civil mob by minimising loss of lives and damaging infrastructure. Fifteen US Marine and two US Navy personnel imparted the training to a 100-member team including 16 officers of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air force, Bangladesh Rifles, Police, Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard and Fire Service and Civil Defence.’
Fifth, a pledge was made at the dawn of independence to establish an exploitation-free society; the monsters of crony capitalism and neoliberal economy that now hold a complete sway over the nation make a mockery of that pledge.
It is a testing time for those who cherish the dream of developing Bangladesh into a secular, democratic, socialist state based on the pristine fundamental principles of state policy.
Badrun123@dhaka.net
A constitutional and legal fiction, the Fakhruddin government is nothing but a motley collection of individuals handpicked by the authors of the emergency. Any expectation that this contraption of a government will behave politically or will be transparent and decisive in policy or action, is thus naïve, to say the least. Writes NM Harun.
‘…power does its work by stealth, and the powerful can subsequently deny that their strength was ever used at all.’ – Salman Rushdie, Shalimar the Clown
THE self-decreed two-year term of the present government ends in December next. In view of this, the announcement of the date of the parliamentary elections to be held on December 18 is a routine exercise of the government. Whether or not this will lead the country towards the garden path of an elected government is anybody’s guess.
The government is talking about creating a level playing field for holding a free, fair and credible election. An orchestrated propaganda has also been launched that it now depends only on the cooperation of the Awami League president Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia to hold the election to the ninth parliament and produce an elected government to replace the present ‘caretaker government’ headed by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.
But then, Thomas Paine, the most radical among the founding fathers of America, warned more than two centuries ago in the Rights of Man: ‘To reason with governments, as they have existed for ages, is to argue with brutes.’ He wrote the book in 1792, in the midst of the French Revolution, in denunciation of the monarchies of his days.
Our present government is, in a sense, a worse type of ‘brute’ than the monarchies of Paine’s times. This is a real-life soap-opera of a government without any constitutional and legal basis or precedent or any kind of mandate in any form.
It is the military to whom President Iajuddin Ahmed surrendered on January 11, 2007 as president as well as head of the caretaker government he had formed on October 29, 2006. The military apparently balked at directly taking over power, as attested by the army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed. On the next day, January 12, 2007, the Fakhruddin government was produced, as if, from a sorcerer’s hat and was camouflaged as a caretaker government.
A constitutional and legal fiction, the Fakhruddin government is nothing but a motley collection of individuals handpicked by the authors of the emergency. Any expectation that this contraption of a government will behave politically or will be transparent and decisive in policy or action, is thus naïve, to say the least.
To reason with the Fakhruddin government on any issue – be it the ‘minus-two’ formula which seeks the political liquidation of Hasina and Khaleda, the political witch-hunt in the name of anti-corruption drive, the palpable use of the judiciary for the purpose of political manipulation, extrajudicial killings in the name of fighting terrorism, the abuse of the Emergency Power Rules, the wanton use of ordinances, adoption of policy decisions with long-term implications, the anarchy in the market and workplaces or the flip-flops of the Election Commission – has already proved to be a fool’s errand.
The political parties, led by the Awami League and the BNP, have, however, taken an opportunistic line of accommodation with the puppet show of the Fakhruddin government, lest a democratic struggle against the authoritarianism and despotism of the emergency dispensation pitch them directly against the military, the real arbiter of power. They seem to be thinking clever: Why provoke a dragon which is feigning to be sleeping? The political parties have, instead, been goading the Fakhruddin government, a buffer between them and the military, to hold the long-delayed election to the ninth parliament and peacefully hand over power to an elected government.
The announcement of the election date has brought to the fore the power struggle between the two alliances led by the Awami League and the BNP. The leaders of both the camps are making upbeat statements about winning election and power. Such pronouncements may eventually prove to be premature.
Remember the abortion of the election to the ninth parliament which was scheduled for January 22, 2007. The AL and BNP-led alliances were then locked in a bitter and stormy battle over the issue of creating a level playing field for elections. The alliances did not get time and scope to settle the dispute in the political and constitutional way. The military, encouraged by the donors and international bodies, intervened, got emergency proclaimed, a puppet government installed, the scheduled election cancelled and political activities banned/restricted on the pretext of political unrest. The political parties acquiesced, from calculation or in fear. The military, flushed with power without authority or accountability, embarked on a mission to accomplish the ‘re-invention’ of the nation to the euphoric applause from a bemused people.
Twenty months on, the political parties are recuperating from the shock of the emergency; the burden of governance has thoroughly discredited the puppet government of Fakhruddin Ahmed; and the military, though no longer the darling of the people, effectively controls the levers of state power. At this juncture, the election cannot take place in a normal constitutional manner because of the malfunctioning of the constitution since the proclamation of emergency. The holding of the election will obviously depend on the success or failure of behind-the-scene negotiations between and among the military – the custodian of the current emergency dispensation – the Awami League and the BNP, with the Fakhruddin government as the facilitator.
Such monkey business will not as such be an exception in countries like ours which are prone to military intervention. But in the past, the political parties used to have some bargaining chips in their negotiations with the powers that be. This time around, they have little political initiative because of their disinclination or inability to fight against authoritarianism and despotism of the emergency and create mass movements for the rights and livelihood of the people.
There is no use ruing the capitulation of the political leadership to the emergency powers and the missed opportunity of conducting democratic struggle during the emergency rule. Neither will any purpose be served by indulging in a blame game.
The future lies ahead –– a future beset with thorny issues of politics and ideology, no less if not more grave and complex than the contradiction between the emergency and fundamental rights.
First, no matter whether election is held or not as promised in December, the struggle for democracy will need to be begun afresh. For, even if an elected government replaces the Fakhruddin government, that government will most likely be a surrogate government to serve the purpose of the powers that be.
Second, the spectre of Islam-pasand politics is getting larger by the day. Islamist outfits are multiplying and the BNP has a strategic alliance with the Jamaat, the kingpin of the Islamist forces and unrepentant collaborator of the Pakistan occupation forces during the War of Independence. Even the Awami League feels a compulsion to woo the Jatiya Party of General HM Ershad, who made Islam the state religion, for election politics. This is because of the vacuum in progressive politics. The left-leaning parties and the parties claiming to be socialist or communist have lost their historic ground in the mills and factories, fields, slums and workplaces and are increasingly becoming irrelevant in the mainstream parliamentary politics.
Third, militarisation of the polity has been going on apace since the martial law regime of General Ziaur Rahman. There is a strong move now to turn the country into a national security state.
Fourth, the country is gradually and inexorably being tagged to the global geopolitical network of America. The increasing cooperation between American Homeland Security and Bangladesh is an open secret. A July 22 BSS report says: ’ The US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific has given a 10-day training to the personnel of Bangladesh Armed Forces and other security enforcing agencies on using modern non-lethal weapons to control civil mob by minimising loss of lives and damaging infrastructure. Fifteen US Marine and two US Navy personnel imparted the training to a 100-member team including 16 officers of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air force, Bangladesh Rifles, Police, Ansar and VDP, Coast Guard and Fire Service and Civil Defence.’
Fifth, a pledge was made at the dawn of independence to establish an exploitation-free society; the monsters of crony capitalism and neoliberal economy that now hold a complete sway over the nation make a mockery of that pledge.
It is a testing time for those who cherish the dream of developing Bangladesh into a secular, democratic, socialist state based on the pristine fundamental principles of state policy.
A Cautionary Note to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
-Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez*
After a landslide victory you are assuming the premiership of Bangladesh when the world is facing one of the worst recession of contemporary history. There are good reasons to believe that Bangladesh will face the trauma of the global recession by late 2009. The have-nots and the poor people of our country will not be able to bear it. So you have no option but to be proactive and act in time to surprise the world. Your and our creator gave you a lifetime chance to write your name in gold as the world's most benevolent lady prime minister by turning Bangladesh to a middle income country during your office this time as prime minister. You have to address the issue of income distribution and social justice in our country very thoughtfully. You should be the first Prime minister of Bangladesh with the aim of raising awareness and creating framings and visions that promote equal dignity for all citizens in the country you govern.
Premier Sheikh Hasina:
I hope you will share with my concept- "Road map to good governance- The Nine-I model" (see http://www.goodgovernancebd.org/ for details) for building a democratic society ensuring good governance. However political democracy rests on economic democracy, and economic democracy assumes a social order that provides equal opportunity for every member of the society to become economically self-sufficient and free from the dominance of some who control their subsistence in today's world.
I am confident you will share the ideology of "the equitable distribution of wealth." The key to economic self-sufficiency is growing the productiveness of the economy in such a way that lifts artificial barriers to equal access to those social institutions (e.g. Capital, credit) that determine who will become empowered as future capital owners. In Bangladesh only then can today's property less citizens receive just share of their capital assets as well as wages for their work to meet their economic needs and develop to the fullest extent of their human capacities.
You have no time to rest but to move forward with your supporters as well as the supporters of Begum Zia, because at least 10- 12% of her supporters trusted you in this election for at least two reasons.
1. In view of many, the former prime minister wanted to salvage the "Maha Chors" and political cronies of her party which seemed like she wanted to present the nation a reign of corrupts and extremists. A political blunder on the part of an experienced former prime minister.
2. According to her critics, Begum Zia, during her honeymoon with "Razakars", "Al-Badars", and "Al-Shams" not only distributed political sweets but also distributed our national flag to them which was earned with the sacrifice of millions. The new generation voters expressed sharp reaction in this election by rejecting the collaborators of the genocide in 1971.
Honorable Prime minister:
The world changed a lot. I know that now you know it better than anyone that you have to cope with international diplomacy of the world politics. Global circumstances cannot be ignored. See Barack Obama meticulously organized his team to salvage the sinking US economy and bring the change for which he is elected to his office.
You should meticulously arrange and rearrange the medium sized cabinet which you can gradually expand evaluating the performance of the cabinet members. You can throw out the bad performers after six months if they fail to give us good governance for which the country paid heavily last two years in both economic and political terms. If the credibility of any of your ministers are questionable or if anyone of them were convicted or corrupt at least by perception, kindly throw them out as soon as the first evidential complain against them reaches you. Congratulations for bringing new faces as ministers and junior ministers, thus creating a space for new leadership in your party.
Madam Prime minister:
Can you consider of giving some lessons to your cabinet crews so that they see how ministers in other democratic countries behave. Kindly arrange some cultural training for your ministers so that they can think, talk and act democratically.
People of Bangladesh no more wants to see vehicles carrying national flags in fish markets, marriage ceremonies, birthday parties, "gaye holuds", clubs or community centers. Please teach them that, this is how they create a distance with their electoral and ensure confirm defeat in the future elections. There is a dogma in Bangla that "joto mantri toto porajoy." Please instruct them not to irritate citizens with sirens and police men to demonstrate the presence of a minister. Ministers should limit themselves in using national flags in official business only and use sirens only while rushing to the airport or the parliament or any other urgency. In this way people will not hate them but will talk to them with open minds, irrespective of political identity. This approach will make them accountable to the people from all walks of life present in different social programs. This will pave the path towards a new accountable political culture.
Madam PM--- Media is your friend not foe:
We have a very strong vibrant media now to act as a watchdog against misrule and misgovernance and corruption. Our media has always played an admirable role to see a truly participatory and functioning democracy in the country where hopes, aspirations and will of the people will prevail and not trampled by elected despotic and authoritarian rule. Kindly instruct your ministers not to waste time by countering the media. The media cannot bring down any government. The media can only inform the government in advance that the voters will bring them down in the next election. Unfortunately some politicians always failed to receive the media message until they miserably fail in elections. The ministers should correct themselves seeing the public reactions in the mirror of the media.
Madam PM-- Give target to Bangladesh diplomatic missions abroad:
To combat the global recession you have to increase the flow of foreign remittance which is presently in the decrease.
Please double the target of manpower export from Bangladesh to the countries that require skilled or semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh . Let our ambassadors know that you will call them back if they fail to fulfill the new target of manpower export. Instruct them to explore new markets and also to create demand for our manpower in the countries already importing manpower from us. They should perform just like bank managers or have to come back home to do some other job. This is how you can fulfill your election pledge to create one job each house. Also remittances will show an uptrend and will give us a better position to combat the global recession.
Madam PM-- Form Council of experts with people who wants to volunteer:
Many experts from different subject matters do neither want to become minister nor get other government facilities in lieu of their service to develop the economy and governance. They only need your patronization to render service to develop different sectors to take the country ahead. There is no harm if you consider council of experts in different fields like 1.Governance, 2.Trade and commerce, 3.Banking, 4.Insurance, 5.Exploring new markets for manpower exports, 6.Employment creation, 7.Regulating price, and 8.Monitoring law and order, etc. These councils will submit reports to you every three months to assist you to call the respective ministers for a brainstorm towards policy decisions. This will help you to remain well informed and will also stop the ministers from going in the wrong direction.
Beware of Cars without number plate and MP's without tin numbers:
Will your government allow anybody to drive vehicles without a number plate? Your voters are eager to see whether you will allow MP's and ministers without tin number to run the country. Please don't allow tax evaders to handle the money of the tax payers. Give two options to the MP's without tin number which are- 1. They should rush to the NBR to get a number or 2. Quit from the government headed by the daughter of Bangabandhu. If mistakenly anybody without a tin number is sworn as a minister, instruct him to quit as he will be a glaring example for citizens not to pay tax.
Beware of Isolation syndrome:
Madam prime minister, may I draw your kind attention to the historical fact that some viruses in the civil-military bureaucracy and political nexus infect the prime ministers to develop a disease termed "Isolation Syndrome." The disease becomes chronic when political cronies build air tight, air con compartments for the Prime minister, creating a No way to talk—No way to write—No way to reach situations. Due to Isolation syndrome Prime ministers can't hear the people—can't read the mind of their people. The voters can only see their Prime minister in small T.V. screens. No wonder everybody understands the gravity of security threats for any prime minister, especially security threats for the daughter of the father of the nation. But at least fix a fax or e-mail for complains to reach you, which you can see during your breakfast. I am confident everybody responsible for governance will be highly alert.
When I was writing this open letter from the University of Chittagong , you were busy taking oath. I was overwhelmed with millions of other democracy loving people of Bangladesh to see a group of clean people (perceived) as cabinet ministers. Once again Congratulations Prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sincerely yours,
Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez
*Author Syed Ahsanul Alam is a Governance Analyst, Associate Professor at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh and Chairman-Center for Good Governance. His recent administrative post includes Vice rector- Premier University, Director-S.B Corporation (Sadharon Bima Corp), Treasurer-USTC (SWC), Representative of the President, USTC. He lectured widely at various business schools including University of Science and Technology, Open University, ABAC Thailand and also in Singapore . Rotarian Syed Ahsanul Alam is a well known Academician, Institution Building Personality and Activist for Good Governance. The Author may be reached at Cell: 880-1711 748 748, Fax: 880-31-2550872, E-mail: http://us.mc577.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=professorparvez@gmail.com, http://www.goodgovernancebd.org/.
Premier Sheikh Hasina:
I hope you will share with my concept- "Road map to good governance- The Nine-I model" (see http://www.goodgovernancebd.org/ for details) for building a democratic society ensuring good governance. However political democracy rests on economic democracy, and economic democracy assumes a social order that provides equal opportunity for every member of the society to become economically self-sufficient and free from the dominance of some who control their subsistence in today's world.
I am confident you will share the ideology of "the equitable distribution of wealth." The key to economic self-sufficiency is growing the productiveness of the economy in such a way that lifts artificial barriers to equal access to those social institutions (e.g. Capital, credit) that determine who will become empowered as future capital owners. In Bangladesh only then can today's property less citizens receive just share of their capital assets as well as wages for their work to meet their economic needs and develop to the fullest extent of their human capacities.
You have no time to rest but to move forward with your supporters as well as the supporters of Begum Zia, because at least 10- 12% of her supporters trusted you in this election for at least two reasons.
1. In view of many, the former prime minister wanted to salvage the "Maha Chors" and political cronies of her party which seemed like she wanted to present the nation a reign of corrupts and extremists. A political blunder on the part of an experienced former prime minister.
2. According to her critics, Begum Zia, during her honeymoon with "Razakars", "Al-Badars", and "Al-Shams" not only distributed political sweets but also distributed our national flag to them which was earned with the sacrifice of millions. The new generation voters expressed sharp reaction in this election by rejecting the collaborators of the genocide in 1971.
Honorable Prime minister:
The world changed a lot. I know that now you know it better than anyone that you have to cope with international diplomacy of the world politics. Global circumstances cannot be ignored. See Barack Obama meticulously organized his team to salvage the sinking US economy and bring the change for which he is elected to his office.
You should meticulously arrange and rearrange the medium sized cabinet which you can gradually expand evaluating the performance of the cabinet members. You can throw out the bad performers after six months if they fail to give us good governance for which the country paid heavily last two years in both economic and political terms. If the credibility of any of your ministers are questionable or if anyone of them were convicted or corrupt at least by perception, kindly throw them out as soon as the first evidential complain against them reaches you. Congratulations for bringing new faces as ministers and junior ministers, thus creating a space for new leadership in your party.
Madam Prime minister:
Can you consider of giving some lessons to your cabinet crews so that they see how ministers in other democratic countries behave. Kindly arrange some cultural training for your ministers so that they can think, talk and act democratically.
People of Bangladesh no more wants to see vehicles carrying national flags in fish markets, marriage ceremonies, birthday parties, "gaye holuds", clubs or community centers. Please teach them that, this is how they create a distance with their electoral and ensure confirm defeat in the future elections. There is a dogma in Bangla that "joto mantri toto porajoy." Please instruct them not to irritate citizens with sirens and police men to demonstrate the presence of a minister. Ministers should limit themselves in using national flags in official business only and use sirens only while rushing to the airport or the parliament or any other urgency. In this way people will not hate them but will talk to them with open minds, irrespective of political identity. This approach will make them accountable to the people from all walks of life present in different social programs. This will pave the path towards a new accountable political culture.
Madam PM--- Media is your friend not foe:
We have a very strong vibrant media now to act as a watchdog against misrule and misgovernance and corruption. Our media has always played an admirable role to see a truly participatory and functioning democracy in the country where hopes, aspirations and will of the people will prevail and not trampled by elected despotic and authoritarian rule. Kindly instruct your ministers not to waste time by countering the media. The media cannot bring down any government. The media can only inform the government in advance that the voters will bring them down in the next election. Unfortunately some politicians always failed to receive the media message until they miserably fail in elections. The ministers should correct themselves seeing the public reactions in the mirror of the media.
Madam PM-- Give target to Bangladesh diplomatic missions abroad:
To combat the global recession you have to increase the flow of foreign remittance which is presently in the decrease.
Please double the target of manpower export from Bangladesh to the countries that require skilled or semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh . Let our ambassadors know that you will call them back if they fail to fulfill the new target of manpower export. Instruct them to explore new markets and also to create demand for our manpower in the countries already importing manpower from us. They should perform just like bank managers or have to come back home to do some other job. This is how you can fulfill your election pledge to create one job each house. Also remittances will show an uptrend and will give us a better position to combat the global recession.
Madam PM-- Form Council of experts with people who wants to volunteer:
Many experts from different subject matters do neither want to become minister nor get other government facilities in lieu of their service to develop the economy and governance. They only need your patronization to render service to develop different sectors to take the country ahead. There is no harm if you consider council of experts in different fields like 1.Governance, 2.Trade and commerce, 3.Banking, 4.Insurance, 5.Exploring new markets for manpower exports, 6.Employment creation, 7.Regulating price, and 8.Monitoring law and order, etc. These councils will submit reports to you every three months to assist you to call the respective ministers for a brainstorm towards policy decisions. This will help you to remain well informed and will also stop the ministers from going in the wrong direction.
Beware of Cars without number plate and MP's without tin numbers:
Will your government allow anybody to drive vehicles without a number plate? Your voters are eager to see whether you will allow MP's and ministers without tin number to run the country. Please don't allow tax evaders to handle the money of the tax payers. Give two options to the MP's without tin number which are- 1. They should rush to the NBR to get a number or 2. Quit from the government headed by the daughter of Bangabandhu. If mistakenly anybody without a tin number is sworn as a minister, instruct him to quit as he will be a glaring example for citizens not to pay tax.
Beware of Isolation syndrome:
Madam prime minister, may I draw your kind attention to the historical fact that some viruses in the civil-military bureaucracy and political nexus infect the prime ministers to develop a disease termed "Isolation Syndrome." The disease becomes chronic when political cronies build air tight, air con compartments for the Prime minister, creating a No way to talk—No way to write—No way to reach situations. Due to Isolation syndrome Prime ministers can't hear the people—can't read the mind of their people. The voters can only see their Prime minister in small T.V. screens. No wonder everybody understands the gravity of security threats for any prime minister, especially security threats for the daughter of the father of the nation. But at least fix a fax or e-mail for complains to reach you, which you can see during your breakfast. I am confident everybody responsible for governance will be highly alert.
When I was writing this open letter from the University of Chittagong , you were busy taking oath. I was overwhelmed with millions of other democracy loving people of Bangladesh to see a group of clean people (perceived) as cabinet ministers. Once again Congratulations Prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sincerely yours,
Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez
*Author Syed Ahsanul Alam is a Governance Analyst, Associate Professor at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh and Chairman-Center for Good Governance. His recent administrative post includes Vice rector- Premier University, Director-S.B Corporation (Sadharon Bima Corp), Treasurer-USTC (SWC), Representative of the President, USTC. He lectured widely at various business schools including University of Science and Technology, Open University, ABAC Thailand and also in Singapore . Rotarian Syed Ahsanul Alam is a well known Academician, Institution Building Personality and Activist for Good Governance. The Author may be reached at Cell: 880-1711 748 748, Fax: 880-31-2550872, E-mail: http://us.mc577.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=professorparvez@gmail.com, http://www.goodgovernancebd.org/.
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