Challenges for Bangladesh government

Dhaka, Mon, 12 Jan 2009 Kazi Mohoshin Al Abbas - While Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina was engaged in poll process of 9th parliamentary election, she and her party Bangladesh Awami League (AL) committed many positive things to the people. Fulfillments of those commitments are being emerged as major challenges for the new government of grand alliance led by the AL chief.

In the election manifesto, AL pledged for changes in Economics, Politics, Philosophy and Governance. In abstract, AL committed to build a secular, progressive, democratic, knowledge based modern welfare state. The people of Bangladesh mandated AL-led grand alliance to turn the commitments into reality. And the government has no escape rout to avoid the pledges as they have absolute majority in parliament.

The trial of war criminals is a vital issue in the society of Bangladesh. Truly, yet the mainstream politics are running over the nation on the basis of the political philosophy of the war of independence of the nation, which was held in 1971. The inner strength of war of independence was secular by faith and progressive by political economy.

At that time, other than the freedom fighters, those who fight in front line, all were in favour of an independent Bangladesh, instead of few collaborators to Pakistani invader. Most of the collaborators belonged to parties like Jamate Islami, Muslim League and some other sideline pro-Pakistan political parties and groups. A number of opportunists were also involved in anti-independence actions. Most of the above mentioned elements were also involved in war crimes. At present, Bangladesh trial of war criminals is a very strong demand from all walks of society. The newly sworn in government has to take positive initiative in this regards.

The 1972 constitution of Bangladesh was a secular charter of governance for the nation as it was constituted with the spirit of liberation war, which was the culmination of years' long struggle for freedom and independence. Present constitution had been amended several times and been changed by character; now a days this constitution has a provision of State Religion. Constitutionally, Islam is the state religion of Bangladesh. Secularizing Bangladesh is the most difficult challenge for the government so far. It could be said that making society and state machinery secular would be the main task by practicing secularism in life other than making constitution secular. Of course a secular state is also need for the nation as this document is the basic to protect the rights of citizens.

Making the society progressive is another difficult task for the government. Even in the pre-liberation period, the society of Bangladesh was much more progressive in terms of practices, pattern of thought and philosophy. By the time society became a bit more conservative. The government, by the help of progressive sociologists, political thinkers and social activists, should identify the causes of conservativeness and must take initiative to remake the society progressive. Establishing Openness instead of Blindness is not an easy task any way.

Establishing democracy at all layers of society and administration is also a very important challenge for the government. Democracy is not only a word to utter; it is a system and process to practice. Possibly Democracy is a phenomenon to be practiced in personal, family and social life by the citizens. If this phenomenon practiced in all sense, a democratic governance system and a democratic administration could be established with the blend of patriotism. By writings, by enacting rules, regulations and acts a state, a parliament and a government could show that they are very democratic in nature. But it is very difficult to keep democracy in practice.

Bangladesh is a country which ruled under martial law or so called feudal democracy. Mentionable that the democratic period under Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (almost 3 and a half year) was the democratic rule in Bangladesh. In 1990, after turning down of military autocrat HM Ershad, who is the alley of grand alliance, a democratic process was been started as people of Bangladesh got the right to vote to elect a government. But the mood of governance and power houses of the parties, government, and administration and, of course, of the society was remaining in the same status; only nomenclature of position and persons had been changed. These practice and process are yet alive. So, this government must face hurdles in the process of democratization.

Corruption is a very talked about issue in Bangladesh. Persons-concerned feel that reducing corruption at a tolerable level depends on Number One. People of the country are expecting that this government would be able to curve corruption, at least in administration and among the politicians.

Making Bangladesh a prosperous welfare state and overcoming other economical challenges are depending on planning for development and related to the regional and global economic conditions. As present world is interdependent and interrelated to each Economy of the world irrespective to weaker or stronger, Bangladesh government should go through an elaborate planning to cope up with the global economical phenomena, that is suggested by the concerned experts.

The economists, political observers and analysts said that the people of Bangladesh are conscious enough; they do not want to see that commitments are fulfilled overnight. They expect that the journey is being started.