Some pressing issues of governance
FOR the last few years we had been suffering from governance crisis. After the election of 2008, it was expected that the governance situation would be improved to a great extent. Of course, we have seen some remarkable improvement in different sectors in the last ten months. However, there are few issues which have created a difficult situation.
The issue of crossfire deserves special mention. From the legal and humanitarian grounds it is really unacceptable to see that people are being shot to death. If we consider rule of law and natural justice, the principles demand that the rule should be applied equally to everybody, and everybody should be given the opportunity to defend himself/herself.
Of course, we could argue that the victims of crossfire are in most cases criminals. Even then, their trial should be held under the regular courts of law. Of course, some could argue that these criminals get benefit of doubt from the court and remain engaged in violent activities when they come out from the court. My point is that from the perspective of law one cannot be treated as a criminal until he/she is proved as one through legal procedure of court.
We see conflicting news about crossfire nowadays. In most cases, family members of the victims are claiming that the victims did not do anything detrimental to the affairs of the state, but they have become victims of crossfire. On the other hand, law-enforcing agencies defend their activities.
If we consider the weaknesses of existing laws, the government could easily made amendments to them so that offenders do not get benefit of doubt. The law-enforcing agencies could present the matter before the court after extensive investigation, which would help the court to judge properly.
Some cases have put a question mark on the issue of crossfire since, very recently, the honourable High Court has issued a suo moto to the government regarding the issue of crossfire. Even from the humanitarian ground the issue of crossfire cannot be supported since it is unjust.
Tender related violence is another issue that needs to be addressed. Many cases of tender related violence are taking place everyday all over the country. In most cases, supporters of AL and its associate organisations are involved in these incidents. Such activities of the ruling party supporters have already created a negative sentiment among the common people.
Of course, in some cases the government has taken some strong actions against those activities. However, we want that the government should give some exemplary punishment to those involved in tender related violence. If they can do this, it will reduce cases of violence on the one hand and improve the image of the government among the common people on the other.
Another issue is the failure of the intelligence agencies in gathering information about some crucial matters like the BDR carnage.
We are passing through a tough time since the Supreme Court, in a landmark verdict, rejected the appeals of five men convicted of assassinating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Vested interests might try to resist the process of implementation of the verdict. The government would be advised to pay serious attention to this matter and the intelligence agencies should remain alert against such a possibility.
The issue of withdrawal of political cases has created confusion in the mind of ordinary citizens. The government should handle it carefully so that ordinary people do not lose their trust in the government.
The government, especially the prime minister, is working to establish a developed digital Bangladesh by upholding all major characteristics of good governance (rule of law, accountability, transparency, participation etc). However, there are some areas where serious crises are seen in the governance process. The government should make sincere efforts to overcome these crises. Only then will the governance situation improve.
Dr. Pranab Kumar Panday is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Public Administration, University of Rajshahi. E-mail: pranabpanday@yahoo.com
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