Expectation from Tarique govt for a corruption-free future

Today the democracy of Bangladesh stands at an important crossroads.

After passing more than a half century of independence, the country was supposed to achieve remarkable success in economic development, infrastructural progress and social indicators.

But it was not achieved up to the expectation. Democracy is not merely an election-centered system.

It is a continuous process where the rule of law, accountability, and freedom of expression, participatory politics and the effectiveness of strong institutions are closely related with one another.

By analyzing the real condition of these fundamental components of democracy in the context of Bangladesh, the challenges awaiting future leadership can be clearly realized. Corruption is considered a major obstacle to Bangladesh’s democracy.

Irregularities in development projects, administrative complications and misuse of power destroy the trust of citizens. Accountability and transparency are essential in democracy.

Through the bloody revolution of Twenty-Four and the all-out mass uprising, after various changes Bangladesh stands at such a crossroads where the return of democracy and the question of consolidating democracy at all levels have become most important.

Therefore, unlike the past the new government must bring many changes in the corruption-free state structure and in the socio-economic development of the country.

Alongside democratic transition the integration of democratic components must be implemented on a priority basis.

The mass uprising of Twenty-Four has brought an opportunity to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people in establishing human rights in Bangladesh and importance must be given to it.

This election is not merely a process of transferring power but also a test of rebuilding democratic foundations at all levels of the country.

The implementation of the July Charter and initiatives must be taken to establish Bangladesh on the world stage as a state of independent dignity and economic development.

During the election the spontaneity, patience and restraint shown by political parties during voting create the expectation that after the election they will show the same attitude.

Likewise, BNP must return toward a corruption-free, impartial law-based just system of government through proper evaluation of its past mistakes so that the true development of democracy occurs and a beautiful self-reliant state structure is established for the welfare of the people.

The new government must take effective steps in controlling law and order and in facing the challenges of economic development.

To achieve economic growth, it is necessary to maintain the political and socio-economic stability of Bangladesh. It is extremely necessary to increase the volume of investment by overcoming economic deficits.

Restoring confidence in private investment, reforming the financial sector, maintaining foreign currency stability, controlling inflation and creating employment-these matters must receive priority from the next government.

In foreign policy the expansion of Bangladesh’s development-oriented activities must also be given serious priority.

Alongside utilizing the strength of the youth who led the July mass uprising, creating employment opportunities for young people will open the path for the future development of the country.

For this purpose, the new BNP government will be able to present a beautiful Bangladesh by implementing its proposed 31-point program in light of the following proposals and recommendations.

Under the reconstruction and reform program of local government, a National Security Council may be formed. A District Governor may be appointed in each district.

The matter of appointing various posts in district administration based on different cadres may be ensured.

In the position of Deputy Commissioner, qualified officers from other cadres should be appointed in rotation year by year.

The same applies to the upazila level-which can be considered administrative reform.

As a structure of local government the village must be included-whose name will be Rural Panchayat Management or Gram Sirkar.

In each village committee honest, dedicated and idealistic people must be included.

Notable committees include Village Security Committee, Environment Committee, Education Committee, Health Committee and Village Sports and Cultural Committee.

The National Security Council will perform the responsibility of conducting, supervising and monitoring the activities of these committees.

A high-powered National Education Commission may be formed. Initially the existing committees of all government and private schools and colleges must be dissolved.

Reconstructions and reforms of various constitutional commissions are necessary; such as Anti-Corruption Commission, Bangladesh Public Service Commission and Election Commission etc. Formation and reform of a Foreign Affairs Commission are also necessary.

Various commissions including the National Law and Justice Commission must be reorganized; such as Energy Regulatory Commission, National Information Commission and Human Rights Commission etc.

Besides, reconstruction and reform of the National Board of Revenue are necessary.

Moreover, Real steps must be taken for productive employment and entrepreneurship through cooperatives. Environment-friendly and timely work plans must be adopted.

Constructive and research-based plans and programs must be taken regarding the extraction of marine resources.

Finally, we can say that Is TariqueRahman the Successful Prime Minister of Future Bangladesh?

Can TariqueRahman Present a Democratic Bangladesh basing on justice and equality?

Can the leadership of TariqueRahman ensure a corruption-free future Bangladesh? There are indeed various challenges.

It can be also said that the challenges of Bangladesh’s democracy and future leadership are multidimensional.

Leadership qualities are proven not only in speeches but through morality, competence and responsibility.

Lastly it is an asserted that the future of Bangladesh depends on such a generation of leadership who will be able to establish democracy not merely as a structure of power but as a justice-based and participatory system for the welfare of the people.

Through the coordination of conscious citizens, responsible political parties, strong institutions, a stable, progressive and sustainable democratic Bangladesh can be built.

(The writer is a former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP).