180 days of AL-led regime
THERE is no doubt that the AL election manifesto is ambitious. Without ambition, however, no quick change in the existing situation is possible. In fulfilling this ambition, the question of capacity arises. With strong commitment one may, perhaps, achieve the impossible. The AL appears to be dead set to realise the dream of Bangabhandhu -- Sonar Bangla.
The AL chief has accepted the challenge of changing the face of Bangladesh. She believes that, despite so many hurdles we can realise Vision 2021 if we are determined, dedicated and united. If we could defeat the Pakistani army without proper arms, ammunition or training, we should be able to achieve our goal if we remain united.
It would not be fair to expect the AL led government to do wonders within 6 months of its election. For a rejuvenated AL, its chief has correctly inducted younger leaders in the administration. Compared to the 4-party alliance cabinet (53 members) the present 38-member cabinet has performed well in a bad situation.
The most outstanding success of the new government is presentation of the budget for 2009-10. The budget, though somewhat ambitious, has touched all segments of the population. In fact, it is a pro-people budget. Apart from the budget, the commendable successes of the regime include reducing and stabilising prices of essentials, and handling the Pilkhana carnage.
Future programs include building of the Padma bridge, setting up of two atomic reactors for boosting production of electricity, adoption of coal policy, gas exploration in new/ abandoned areas, improvement of railway, modernisation of Bangladesh navy, adoption of a new education policy, scheme for generating employment for 1.4 million people and agricultural loan for cane and bamboo work, husking of paddy, earthenware making, and production of puffed and flattened rice.
For a democratic regime, after 5 years of bad governance and 2 years of emergency, starting programs within 6 months is pretty difficult. It is all the more difficult because of global recession and inadequate support from the opposition.
Much more has to be attained in the future. Immediate attention has to be given to:
* The problems of NRBs.
* Settling labour unrest in RMG sector.
* Administrative reform.
* Settling demands of UZ chairmen and vice-chairmen.
* Strengthening ACC.
* Improving law and order situation.
* Improving quality of teachers by removing politically appointed ones.
* Trial of war criminals.
* Modernising madrasa education and adopting a scheme for utilisation of the services of madrasa educated students in nation building activities.
The greatest weakness of the government is its capacity to implement policies. Due to lack of political stability, undemocratic rules and politicisation, bureaucracy could not play its proper role, and remained as an inefficient and weak institution. Instead of giving proper thought to people's welfare the civil servants paid more attention to their political masters and personal gains. This government has to work with this bureaucracy to achieve its goals.
All good plans become useless if implementation is not successful. We come up with fairly large ADP, and end up with achieving only around 50%. In other words, we lack the capacity for achieving the desired growth. To overcome this malady we have to go deep in to the matter. At this stage, the parliamentary committees may be advised to monitor the performance of the ministries and attached departments.
Whatever success has been attained so far should not be belittled. We need not become frustrated. There may be lapses by some ministers due to their lack of experience. With the passage of time these ministers may perform well if they have the will to serve the nation.
It is unfortunate that we have not seen any positive assistance or support from the opposition to the government. We feel that by extending cooperation the opposition will rather brighten its image before the people.
A.B.M.S. Zahur is a former Joint Secretary.
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