Where there is a will...
The Headmaster of our school used to assert the old adage, "Where there is a will, there is a way". Once I contradicted him with another proverb, "if wishes were horses beggars must ride." He could not relish the way of refutation and became annoyed with me, naturally.
During the long journey of my public service, I realise the truth that the mindset and will force to perform any assignment matter much. Nothing can be achieved without firm determination, commitment and clear understanding of the goal and destination. The performance of the present government for the year 2007 reflects few remarkable attainments supported by strong will and determination devoid of decisional dilemma.
The Election Commission once appeared as a very hard nut to crack was reformed thoroughly and very quickly having a big hand of the people at large. Equally, the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission once termed as a big joke by Mr. Proful Patel of World Bank has now started working as really independent with the approved manpower of 1281 officials in the organizational chart. Special tribunals were constituted for speedy trial of the graft cases. More remarkable achievement, I must say, was the recovery of 40,000 acres of khas land and 9 lakh acres of forestland from illegal occupants, which once conceived as impossible tasks. The reformation of the Public Service Commission was highly appreciated by civil society organisations and intellectuals at large.
Surprisingly, some persons were in position in this institution that indulged even in the leakage of question papers and could not really realise the sanctity and chastity of such dignified constitutional body. Even now, its independence from the office of the Prime Minister's Office has yet to be completed with clear devolution of authority and separation of the organisational chart.
The constitutional obligation for the separation of judiciary from the executive has been implemented within shortest possible time although Majdar Hussain case verdict was found pending quite for a decade. There were repeated promises by the political parties quite for a long time for the separation of power. Remarkably, the present government approved the manpower of 4273 officials with about 655 posts of judicial magistrates within few months. A constitutional provision of the country was fulfilled after 36 years.
Regulatory reformation commission has been constituted to make substantial changes in the areas of public administration and related fields to ensure good governance, open the avenues of accountability and transparency in every activity of government related to public services. At the same time, Better Business Forum has been formed to ensure stable economic growth, encourage investment and create business friendly atmosphere in the country.
A new trend of speed and integrity in the port administration, transport and communication has emerged with the reduction of turn around time of ships at Chittagong and Mongla ports. The movement of transport on river and land routes throughout the county, even during the peak seasons of festivals and heavy trafficking became normal. The success in the manpower export, increase in the reserve of foreign exchange, expansion and coverage of Income Tax network and earning of about 700 crores of revenue were seen never before within such a shortest period of time.
Above all, the successes of the government to address the natural catastrophe of repeated cyclones and Sidr, with high profile management efficiency and integrity, created examples for the future to build up our own strength to rise to address emergencies.
Unfortunately, the Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Food made an unguarded observation on 2nd January 2008 about the inability of the government to tackle the skyrocketing price of rice, which triggered sharp reactions throughout the country. Govt. must have the responsibility to rein in such soaring prices. Finance Adviser made clarification and took actions instantly.
All these actions of the government are clear manifestations of strong will to stand by the people and work for the betterment of the country. Even now, there are many areas where public feel the present government should start the process of reformation by addressing the problems with commitment, if not possible to finish the same. One of the areas is the vested property issue demanding recast and readdress in order to overcome its discrepancies for the benefits of adversely affected citizens, minorities in particular.
Secondly, repeated threat of avian flu and massive damage to the booming poultry industry with the recorded growth of 15 percent now struggling to exist. Weighed down by higher feed cost, in fact, this industry is undergoing silent form of famine. This must have a long implication in the rural economy and poverty reduction demanding an immediate strategy to avoid the chances of rural poor becoming pauper. Besides, adequate supply of fertilizer and quality seed appeared to be critical issues to ensure high productivity in the farm and non-farm economic activities. The imminent threat of hoarders and syndicates of middlemen to hoodwink the government and manipulate the market is gradually becoming positive threat to the normal trade practices in the country.
Thirdly, revolutionary changes must be started right now in the power generation and distribution system including use of solar energy with private- public partnership. Any delay will retard the process of development adversely.
Fourthly, a centre for climate change should be established urgently keeping in view the global warming, carbon trade and the recommendation of IPCC to cope with the threat of flood, cyclone, tornado visiting the country every year and causing the loss of our hard earned gains repeatedly.
Government has already agreed on the functioning of human rights commission, right to information, citizen's charter and also to make major changes in the education curriculum. Besides, there is strong demand for the trial of war criminals.
It is difficult for a government to make so many reformations within this short span of time -- some requiring changes in the constitution, some demanding special ordinances. But there is no harm to begin with the process of reformation.
The expectation of the people has increased manifold due to their confidence in the honesty and strong will of the government capable of doing something better for the people.
Dhiraj Kumar Nath is a former Secretary.
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