M. M. Ashaduzzaman Nour :
Bureaucracy, as a system of administration, plays a pivotal role in the governance and development of a nation. It serves as the backbone of public administration, ensuring the implementation of policies, delivery of services, and maintenance of law and order. For developing countries like Bangladesh, reforming the bureaucratic system is essential to achieve sustainable development and good governance. Türkiye, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western administrative traditions, offers valuable lessons for Bangladesh in this regard. This write-up explores the key features of Turkish bureaucracy and identifies lessons that Bangladesh can adopt to enhance its administrative efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Turkish bureaucratic system has evolved over centuries, influenced by the Ottoman Empire’s administrative practices and later by the modernization efforts of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. The Ottoman Empire established a highly centralized and merit-based administrative system, which laid the foundation for modern Turkish bureaucracy. Atatürk’s reforms in the early 20th century further strengthened the bureaucracy by emphasizing secularism, professionalism, and modernization. Today, Turkish bureaucracy is characterized by its hierarchical structure, emphasis on meritocracy, and integration of technology in governance.
Key Features of Turkish Bureaucracy
(1) Merit-Based Recruitment and Promotion: Turkish bureaucracy places a strong emphasis on meritocracy. Recruitment into the civil service is conducted through competitive examinations, ensuring that only qualified individuals are selected. Promotions are based on performance and seniority, which fosters a culture of professionalism and competence. This system minimizes nepotism and corruption, ensuring that the bureaucracy remains efficient and effective.
(2) Decentralization and Local Governance: Türkiye has made significant strides in decentralizing its administrative functions. Local governments are empowered to make decisions and manage resources, which enhances public service delivery and fosters citizen participation. This decentralization has also reduced the burden on the central government, allowing it to focus on strategic policymaking.
(3) Integration of Technology: Türkiye has embraced e-governance and digital transformation to streamline administrative processes. The use of technology has improved transparency, reduced bureaucratic red tape, and enhanced citizen engagement. For instance, the e-Government Gateway provides a single platform for citizens to access various public services, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
(4) Strong Legal and Institutional Framework: Turkish bureaucracy operates within a robust legal and institutional framework that ensures accountability and transparency. Laws and regulations are clearly defined, and institutions such as the Council of State and the Court of Accounts oversee the functioning of the bureaucracy. This framework ensures that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Lessons for Bangladesh
(1) Adopting Meritocracy in Recruitment and Promotion: Bangladesh can learn from Türkiye’s merit-based recruitment and promotion system. Currently, the civil service in Bangladesh is often criticized for political interference and nepotism. By implementing a transparent and competitive examination system, Bangladesh can ensure that only the most qualified individuals are recruited and promoted. This would enhance the efficiency and credibility of the bureaucracy.
(2) Decentralizing Administrative Functions: Bangladesh’s highly centralized administrative system often leads to inefficiencies and delays in service delivery. By decentralizing administrative functions and empowering local governments, Bangladesh can improve public service delivery and foster citizen participation. This would also reduce the burden on the central government and allow it to focus on strategic policymaking.
(3) Embracing E-Governance and Digital Transformation: Bangladesh has made some progress in digitizing its public services, but there is still significant room for improvement. By adopting Türkiye’s approach to e-governance, Bangladesh can streamline administrative processes, reduce corruption, and enhance citizen engagement. The introduction of a single platform for accessing public services, similar to Türkiye’s e-Government Gateway, would be a significant step forward.
(4) Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Bangladesh needs to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency in the bureaucracy. Establishing independent oversight institutions, such as an anti-corruption commission and a public service commission, would help to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Clear laws and regulations would also reduce the scope for discretionary decision-making and corruption.
While Türkiye’s bureaucratic system offers valuable lessons, it is important to recognize that Bangladesh faces unique challenges that may require tailored solutions. These challenges include political instability, weak institutional capacity, and limited resources. Therefore, any reforms must be carefully designed to address these specific issues. Additionally, cultural and historical differences between the two countries must be taken into account when adopting best practices from Türkiye.
Turkish bureaucracy, with its emphasis on meritocracy, decentralization, technology integration, and strong legal frameworks, offers valuable lessons for Bangladesh. By adopting these practices, Bangladesh can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of its bureaucratic system. However, it is essential to consider the unique challenges and context of Bangladesh when implementing these reforms. With careful planning and execution, Bangladesh can build a modern and effective bureaucracy that supports its development goals and improves the lives of its citizens.
(The writer is PhD Researcher, Department of Political Science and Public Administration,
Istanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi, Istanbul, Türkiye and Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Bangladesh University of Professionals).
